Georgia Ports celebrates seven years of YES+

Apr 09, 2025

The Georgia Ports Authority is celebrating seven years of YES+, the program providing mentoring and career opportunities for recent high school graduates seeking to start a port career.

“YES+ has been an important part of our recruiting effort since 2018,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch. “We’ve been thrilled to add so many young people with enthusiasm and a willingness to work to our team here at GPA.”

Since the start of the program, 51 students have been accepted, 43 of whom continue to advance their careers at Georgia Ports, spanning all activities at GPA – from administration and finance to communications and safety, as well as vessel, yard and rail operations.

The Georgia Ports Authority recently celebrated the seven-year anniversary of its YES+ program, in which recent high school graduates hire on as GPA employees. The new hires receive training and mentorship, preparing them for a Georgia Ports career. Pictured with YES+ employees are GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch, front left, and Director of Workforce Development & Training Tanya Chisholm, far right. (Georgia Ports Authority)

“YES+ is a win for students who want to start a career soon after graduation, and a win for Georgia Ports, because it has established a new talent pipeline for recruitment,” said GPA Chief Human Resources Officer Lise Altman. “It’s an on-the-job learning opportunity that prepares students to become top-performing employees and the future of GPA.”

Altman said the YES+ program is part of a broader recruitment and workforce development effort at GPA, aimed at helping employees succeed across multiple locations and departments.

“YES+ has proven to be very popular with students who are eager to start a career,” said GPA Director of Workforce Development and Training Tanya Chisholm. “More than 500 applications have already been received for 20 slots in next year’s YES+ class.”