Robert Jepson Jr., a Savannah businessman, was elected Monday chairman of the Georgia Ports Authority board.

Jepson, first appointed to the board in 2008, succeeds Alec Poitevint II. Jepson said securing federal approval and financing for the deepening of the Savannah River and harbor remains the board's top priority.

"As we enter the final stages of approval, it is important that we continue to stress the vital impact of this project, the completion of which will preserve the port's roll as a dynamic economic engine for Georgia and the region," he said in a statement.

Jepson is chairman and CEO of Jepson Associates, Inc., a private investment firm.

Stephen Green, a past board chairman, was also serve as vice chairman for the upcoming year.