Georgia Ports Nurtures Future Leaders: Intern Program Cultivates Talent and Honors Local Community Impact

Georgia Ports Welcomes Summer Intern Class, Cultivating Future Supply Chain Leaders

By Carol A. Gasser Moore |

SAVANNAH, Chatham County, Georgia – The Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) is embracing the next generation of supply chain professionals as it welcomes 15 college students from nine universities into its highly regarded 10-week Summer Internship Program. The program offers invaluable hands-on experience at one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most vital container terminals — the Port of Savannah.

The program is an essential part of Georgia Ports’ commitment to mentoring young talent and providing real-world operational experience in the heart of Georgia’s booming logistics and maritime industry. Students from a variety of disciplines will spend their summer immersing themselves in the inner workings of GPA’s many departments, including Container Operations, Contracts and Planning, Corporate Communications, and more.

“This internship program is a win for both the students and Georgia Ports,” said Lise Altman, Chief Human Resources Officer at Georgia Ports Authority. “Our interns bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table while gaining crucial professional experience that will serve them well as they advance in their careers. For Georgia Ports, the program provides us with access to a talent pipeline that will help shape our future workforce.”

For students looking to gain experience in a fast-paced, real-world business environment, the internship offers an unmatched opportunity to work at the Port of Savannah — the largest and fastest-growing container terminal in the nation.

Building Future Leaders for the Region’s Economy

The internship program is not just about offering summer jobs; it’s about preparing students for successful careers in supply chain management and related fields. The Port of Savannah, a critical driver of Georgia’s economy and a major gateway for international trade, provides a unique platform for students to apply their academic learning to real-world situations.

“Interns at Georgia Ports have the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths, from port operations and logistics to marketing and communications,” shared Tanya Chisholm, Director of Workforce Development and Training. “Whether they’re working on the terminal floor or supporting corporate teams, these students bring valuable input and new ideas that influence our daily operations.”

The internships span several key departments, offering students a broad range of experiences. Some will work in the operational heart of the port, including areas like Crane Maintenance, Ship Operations, and Risk Management, while others will gain experience in departments such as Governmental Affairs, Sales and Marketing, and Information Technology. All interns will gain essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which will enhance their resumes and improve their prospects for future employment.

A Stepping Stone for Future Careers

Erika Torres, Assistant Manager of Training and Development, is the driving force behind GPA’s internship program. Torres works closely with the interns, guiding them through their daily tasks, facilitating tours of GPA facilities, and ensuring they have a well-rounded and impactful internship experience.

“We take great pride in being a stepping stone in these students’ careers,” Torres said. “Whether they choose to stay in the supply chain field or move on to other industries, we are proud to have played a role in shaping their futures. Many of our previous interns, in fact, are now full-time employees at Georgia Ports, and we hope to see even more join the team in the future.”

The program has already proven successful, with 32 past interns now working full-time at Georgia Ports. These alumni have gone on to play pivotal roles within the organization, helping shape the future of logistics and supply chain management at one of the most important ports in the U.S.

Strengthening the Local Economy and Community

Georgia Ports plays a significant role in the economic landscape of South Georgia and the entire state. In fact, the port supports more than 609,000 jobs statewide and contributes over $40 billion in income and $171 billion in revenue to Georgia’s economy each year. In the last decade, GPA has invested over $3.2 billion in infrastructure, and future investments are expected to reach $4.5 billion over the next ten years as part of its comprehensive port master plan.

As part of its commitment to community engagement, GPA is also supporting the development of local workforce housing near the Port of Savannah with a $6 million multi-year initiative. This local support helps ensure that the region’s growing supply chain sector continues to thrive and provide job opportunities for local residents.

Georgia’s infrastructure is nationally recognized, with CNBC ranking the state #1 for infrastructure in its 2024 report on America’s Top States for Business. Area Development has also ranked Georgia as the Top State to Do Business for 11 consecutive years, a testament to the state’s dynamic business climate and the success of industries like the Port of Savannah.

A Vision for the Future

The Summer Internship Program is just one part of Georgia Ports’ ongoing efforts to cultivate a talented workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. By providing students with the tools and skills they need to succeed, Georgia Ports is helping shape the future of the supply chain industry — not just for Georgia, but for the entire nation.

For more information on Georgia Ports or to learn more about the internship program, visit gaports.com or contact Manager of Media Relations Edward Fulford at [email protected] or 912-964-3806.

Georgia Ports Authority interns tour the Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal. GPA’s 2025 intern class includes students representing nine universities. (Georgia Ports)