Derek Grimes

Derek Grimes

Derek S. Grimes graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. After growing up in Forsyth County and graduating from South Forsyth High School in 2007, Derek attended North Georgia where he was involved in multiple campus activities including Sigma Chi Fraternity, Student Activities Board (SAB), Interfraternity Council (IFC), and was the school mascot for two years. He continued his education by earning his MBA in Finance and Master of Accounting from Mercer University.

Derek has been working within the corporate finance and accounting field for over 12 years. After graduating from North Georgia, he quickly landed in the corporate world working with multiple Fortune 500 companies, such as UPS and Georgia Pacific. After nearly a decade of tutelage at these major companies, he was recruited to lead the formation of a joint venture, Gateway Terminals in Savannah, GA. His experience and guidance have led Gateway Terminals to be one of the fastest growing stevedore operations in the Southeast. Their operations support the 4th busiest Port in North America, the Savannah port, which has aided the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) to post record years of container volume moved since their involvement. Gateway’s excellent support service to the port is a large reason for the multiple growth initiative projects currently underway with the GPA and throughout the state of Georgia.

Derek is married to fellow North Georgia Alumna Chelsea Grimes, previously Chelsea Ford. Derek and Chelsea have two young boys Ford and Worth. Together they enjoy traveling, spending time with friends, and volunteering in their community.