The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has long been a leading supporter of United Way of the Coastal Empire, and during this year’s Fall Giving Campaign, GPA and its employees contributed more than $561,000 to the United Way campaign.

Throughout the campaign, GPA held more employee campaign meetings than ever before and even created a powerful video to inspire more employees to give to United Way – yielding an increase in employee participation.

“We are passionate about giving to the United Way to assist our neighbors in weathering life’s challenges,” said Georgia Ports Authority President and CEO Griff Lynch. “We have been blessed as individuals and as an organization, and I am proud of the way our GPA team answers the call to lend a helping hand across our community.”

The Georgia Ports Authority is the governing body for Georgia’s two deep-water ports (Savannah and Brunswick), as well as multiple inland terminals. GPA directly employs approximately 1,700 people and serves as an economic engine whose impact is felt statewide.

“We invest in United Way of the Coastal Empire because it is a trusted organization with the reach and depth to help solve some of our community’s most challenging issues,” said Lise Altman, chief human resources officer for GPA. “We know these dollars are managed well and will make a significant impact in our communities and this region.”

United Way leadership and supporters, including 2023-2024 Campaign Chair Jay Wilson and Board Chair Ken Rabitsch, gathered at GPA in Garden City to salute the outstanding giving achieved by Georgia Ports Authority this year.

“Georgia Ports Authority is a valued partner. We depend on the support of their amazing team, and we are proud to recognize the impact their generosity is making in our community,” said Mandy Parsons, interim president & CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “We sincerely thank GPA leadership and every employee who made a donation and volunteered. Through their support, we are able to help improve the lives of people in our community by providing a safety net for the most vulnerable and pathways for upward mobility so everyone can thrive.”

During the presentation, United Way leaders highlighted the GPA team for the many ways they support United Way of the Coastal Empire and this community from their inspiring workplace campaign and generous corporate gift to sponsoring United Way events and making additional donations in times of great need.

In addition to GPA’s traditional support, the company’s Assistant Manager, Employee Relations & HR Technologies, Eli Vandiver served as a United Way Business Champion for the third year in a row, lending time and talent to help raise funds for United Way.

“I am honored to serve as a United Way Business Champion and help lead the United Way Campaign at Georgia Ports Authority,” Vandiver said. “I believe everyone should have the opportunity to give at whatever level is right for them, and payroll deduction makes that easy. I’m thankful to my bosses and our company’s leaders for trusting in me to serve in this important role, and I’m especially grateful to each of my teammates who contributed to this year’s campaign.”

GPA is one of three local organizations this year that exceeded half a million dollars in employee and corporate giving. United Way fundraises all year long to improve lives in the Coastal Empire. The combined totals of the campaign will be presented at the organization’s United in Gratitude event on May 14, 2024.