“Cliff has an excellent record of achievement and advancement in his career,” said GPA’s Executive Director Doug J. Marchand. “He offers good exposure to world-class best practices in the international shipping and logistics industry, as well as extensive experience managing complex organizations in difficult market environments.”

Pyron has more than 25 years of experience in the shipping industry. Prior to joining the GPA, Pyron served as Vice-President of Sales for NYK Lines in New York, N.Y., where he was responsible for all NYK Line international commercial liner activity in the Eastern half of the United States, which includes managing multi-level staff in two of NYK’s four regional offices. He also served as Vice-President of Sales for Maersk Lines where he was responsible for all Maersk-Sealand commercial liner and logistics activity in the Southeastern United States.

Pyron holds a bachelor of science in business administration from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.

The Chief Commercial Officer reports to the Executive Director and provides direction for Trade Development, Information Technology and Strategic Planning.

“This new position will help support our expanding needs and increased demands,” said Marchand. “Pyron’s strong planning, logistics, sales, marketing and operations expertise will assist GPA to improve its market share and processes. His significant knowledge of Asian business will be a great complement to GPA’s executive team.”

Georgia’s deepwater ports and inland barge terminals support more than 286,476 jobs throughout the state annually and contribute $14.9 billion in income, $55.8 billion in revenue and $2.8 billion in state and local taxes to Georgia’s economy.