The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) has announced the appointment of Flavio Batista as Chief Commercial Officer and Rob Dooley as Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 July 2024.
These appointments are part of a succession plan established in 2023 in anticipation of the 30 June 2024 retirement of Chief Financial Officer Michaela Thompson and the transition of current Chief Commercial Officer Cliff Pyron to an advisor role for GPA.
“Cliff and Michaela have been tremendous assets to the Georgia Ports Authority, setting a high standard in professionalism and world-class customer care for our organization,” pointed out Griff Lynch, GPA president and CEO.
Cliff Pyron, who has over 44 years of experience in liner container shipping, logistics, and the port sector, has led Georgia Ports’ sales efforts since December 2008. Under his leadership, trade through Georgia Ports has achieved record success, growing by 73%. This growth has been supported by an impressive expansion of landside supply chain business partners, attracting investments from high-profile companies and start-ups.
Flavio Batista joined GPA as vice president of Sales and Marketing in January 2023. He previously worked for Wallenius Wilhelmsen Group, an ocean carrier providing logistics solutions for manufacturers of cars, trucks, heavy equipment, and specialized cargo. At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Batista most recently served as senior vice president and head of Americas Sales, overseeing ocean and logistics commercial development and customer relations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Latin America. Prior to that, he was executive vice president and head of Commercial Activities for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, based in Antwerp, Belgium.
“Flavio’s global experience and his role as a former customer of international ports gives him a deep understanding of the needs of ocean carriers, BCOs, car manufacturers and our integrated supply chain partner ecosystem here in Georgia. He and Cliff have worked very closely since he joined to ensure a smooth handover for all our customers during this 18-month period,” said Lynch.
Additionally, Michaela Thompson joined Georgia Ports as director of Finance in March 2011 and has held several leadership roles, including Financial Controller and CFO, a position she assumed in January 2022. Her career includes experience in manufacturing, private industry leveraged buyouts (LBOs), bond issues, credit union management, benefit plans administration, and enterprise resource planning projects. Thompson holds CPA and MBA credentials and has served on the boards of the Georgia Pension Trustees and the Georgia Government Financial Officers Association (GGFOA).
“I would like to personally thank Michaela for her steady leadership in the Finance Department and the work she has done to maintain GPA’s sterling reputation and AAA financial rating,” noted Lynch.
Moreover, Rob Dooley joined GPA in August 2023 as senior director of Finance. He brings extensive experience from both the public and private sectors, having worked for companies such as Northrup Grumman, Integra Connect, and Sontiq (formerly EZShield).
“Rob brings the financial acumen and business sense with customers we need to keep growing and preparing for the future. His impeccable accounting credentials, focus on service and analyzing financial data to improve operational functions make him a perfect fit for GPA’s future trajectory,” stated Lynch.
