The International Maritime Hall of Fame announced recently the Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) Executive Director Doug J. Marchand would be honored as one of its newest members on May 13, 2009, at the United Nations in New York City. The International Maritime Hall of Fame was founded in 1993 and recognizes maritime visionaries, who, through excellence in their company, organization, or services, best exemplify the qualities of futuristic thinking that will guide the maritime industry in the 21st Century.
“By creating unique opportunities and success at the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick, Doug has set the standard in the port industry and developed a model others attempt to duplicate,” said GPA’s Chairman of the Board Steve Green. “From targeting distribution centers to capitalizing on specialized cargo segments, Doug’s excellent management has created an historic track record for the Georgia Ports Authority.”
Marchand has served as GPA’s Executive Director since 1995. The GPA is a statewide entity that owns and operates deepwater terminals in Savannah and Brunswick and manages inland river barge terminals in Bainbridge and Columbus. During the 14 years of his tenure, the Authority’s container and automobile volumes have more than quadrupled. Today, the Port of Savannah is recognized as the nation’s fourth largest and fastest growing container port.
As Executive Director of the Authority’s $250-million annual budget and 1,000 employees, Marchand and his team have transformed Georgia’s maritime industry into a dynamic economic engine. He has successfully combined effective marketing strategies and capital investment to achieve results.
“Doug’s leadership and vision have contributed to an unprecedented growth period for the Georgia Ports Authority,” said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. “Even in tough economic times, the GPA is positioned to continue this trend of bringing jobs and new opportunities for Georgia well into the future.”
Marchand’s story of success has been featured in many international publications, including the page-one story in The Wall Street Journal, “How Savannah Brought New Life to Its Aging Port.” Marchand has received numerous awards and distinctions during the course of his Maritime career, including Savannah Chamber of Commerce’s 2004 Industrial Person of the Year, the Journal of Commerce Leadership Roll in International Trade, and Georgia Trend’s 100 Most Influential Georgians for four years running. In 1997, Marchand received Professional Port Manager (PPM®) Program Certification through the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
Marchand has held leadership positions in the AAPA and currently serves on the Executive Committee of that 125-member organization. Marchand is also a Board Director for the Georgia Freight Bureau, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the South Atlantic Caribbean Ports Association and the International Association of Ports & Harbors.
Other honorees for the 16th International Maritime Hall of Fame include International President of International Organization of Masters for Mates & Pilots Captain Timothy A. Brown, General Maritime Corporation Chairman Peter C. Gergiopoulos, China Shipping (Group Company) President Li Shaode and Ports America Advisory Board’s Senior Strategic Advisor Douglas A. Tilden.
