SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) A Gainesville businessman has been picked to serve as chairman of the Georgia Ports Authority board of directors. <br />
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Officials say James A. Walters, president of a financial services company that operates in Georgia, Tennessee and Texas, has been chosen as GPA board chairman. <br />
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Walters is the former director of First National Bank of Gainesville and is a member of several boards and other organizations. <br />
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Outgoing board chairman Robert Jepson says Walters' background in business and economic development will suit him well in his new role. <br />
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Officials say Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Walters to the board in 2012, and he used to serve as the board's vice chairman. <br />
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Walters says his primary goal during his two-year term will be seeing the Savannah harbor expansion project through to final authorization.
