Lynch to Retire From Georgia Ports Authority in 2027
Griff Lynch will step down as Georgia Ports Authority CEO on July 31, 2027, with Kevin Price set to succeed him.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Auto Parts
Georgia Ports Authority CEO Griff Lynch announced his retirement effective July 31, 2027, and President Kevin Price will succeed him on Aug. 1, 2027. The announcement was made at the annual State of the Port luncheon on Jekyll Island.
Why it matters
The leadership transition comes as the Port of Brunswick, ranked the nation's No. 1 auto port, continues to expand its vehicle-handling capacity. Continuity in leadership will shape how the authority carries forward its infrastructure investments in Georgia's ports.
The Georgia Ports Authority has invested over $521 million in Port of Brunswick expansion since 2016 and committed another $5 million to expansion projects. The average cargo ship carries over 9,000 cars, while some under-construction berths will serve ships capable of carrying over 10,000 cars.
The players
Griff Lynch
Griff Lynch is the chief executive of the Georgia Ports Authority, which oversees the state's major seaports, including the Port of Brunswick.
Kevin Price
Kevin Price is president of the Georgia Ports Authority and is set to become its next chief executive.
Georgia Ports Authority
The Georgia Ports Authority is the state agency that operates Georgia's seaports, including the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick.
The details
Lynch spoke at the annual State of the Port luncheon on Jekyll Island, where the Port of Brunswick was described as the nation's No. 1 auto port. The authority started construction this year on a fourth roll-on, roll-off berth and additional outdoor vehicle storage, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredged Brunswick Harbor.
Timeline
July 31, 2027: Griff Lynch retires as Georgia Ports Authority CEO.
Aug. 1, 2027: Kevin Price succeeds Lynch as CEO.
1986: First car shipment through Colonel's Island, with 567 Yugos.
Roadmap
The Port of Brunswick's expansion follows Mercedes selecting the Georgia Ports Authority as home port for its Alabama car plant, building out vehicle-handling capacity for automakers. The authority's infrastructure-first approach, which Don Asdell advised in 2016, continues as leadership moves to Kevin Price.
Drivers buying Jeep, Toyota, Honda, Subaru and other imported vehicles that move through Brunswick may see the expansion's effects on vehicle supply and distribution over time. The authority's added berths and storage aim to handle growing volumes of cars and heavy machinery.
The takeaway
The Port of Brunswick's growth shows how infrastructure built ahead of demand can position a port to handle larger vessels and more vehicles. Leadership continuity under Kevin Price will determine whether the authority's expansion plans stay on schedule.
What happens next
Lynch's retirement takes effect July 31, 2027, and Price assumes the CEO role on Aug. 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more on vehicle logistics, see Auto Parts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Brunswick News.
