Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics Welcomes New Director

The Georgia Centers of Innovation for Logistics is proud to welcome its new Director. Originally from Newnan, Georgia, Matt Markham received an undergraduate degree from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia before obtaining an MPA from Georgia State. Matt has more than a decade of experience in transportation policy for the State of Georgia. Prior to joining the Center of Innovation, Matt served in leadership roles at the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, the State Road and Tollway Authority, and as a policy advisor to Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. We sat down with Matt to find out a little more about him and his vision for the future of Georgia Logistics.

What is your favorite part about what you do?

I love being able to talk about why Georgia is such a great place for companies to be when it comes to our logistics assets, and I love learning from Georgia's logistics and supply chain companies the creative things they are doing to be successful.

What's next for Georgia's Logistics?

Technology is rapidly changing the logistics and supply chain landscape, and you will continue to see the robust innovation ecosystem in Georgia's universities and businesses lead in developing and deploying the next-generation technologies to help companies manage their supply chain and operate more efficiently.  And with the tremendous growth in traffic moving through our ports projected in the years ahead, you will see Georgia place even more emphasis on innovative and strategic tactics such as inland ports, truck-only lanes and key investments throughout our transportation network to ensure our shippers and logistics providers can continue to count on Georgia's infrastructure to enable reliable and efficient freight movement.

Any hobbies?

As the father of two active young boys, most of my free time is spent with them on a ball field, at a Scouts event or just in the yard playing.  But I do like to read and go running when I can.

Read any good books lately?

I recently read Chipper Jones' biography Ballplayer, which I loved.  I grew up in the years surrounding the 'worst-to-first' year and have followed the Braves through the decades since, and Chipper was obviously a big part of what made that time so special for me and all Braves fans.  It was great to relive those memories and to see them from the point-of-view of the ballplayers in the clubhouse.

Favorite musical artist?

My musical taste has grown more eclectic over the years, but it would probably be a tie between the Eagles and Jimmy Buffett. I definitely have to throw in hometown natives Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band for good measure, though.

Favorite thing about Georgia?

I love the fact that Georgia has everything.  No matter where you are, you are never far something that makes our state amazing.  We have vibrant city life with all the arts, sports, restaurants, and entertainment you could ever want and within a few hours' drive you can hike in the mountains and tour wineries or swim in the ocean.