Bart Gobeil appointed to Coastal Marshlands Protection, Shore Protection committees

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources on Thursday announced the appointment of Bart Gobeil, president of Platform Strategies and longtime public servant, to the state's Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee (CMPC) and Shore Protection Committee (SPC). His term will run from Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2030.

The CMPC and SPC were established in 1970 and 1979 with the passage of the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act and Shore Protection Act, which safeguard Georgia's tidal wetlands, beaches, dunes, sand bars and shoals-habitats identified in state law as vital areas of the state. The joint committees review and issue permits for activities in these areas, including waterfront development, residential and commercial shorefront construction, beach crossovers, nourishment projects and shoreline stabilization. DNR's Coastal Resources Division provides administrative support to the joint committees.

Current committee members are Chad Barrow of Chatham County, Brad Brookshire of Bryan County, Dr. Valerie Hepburn of Glynn County and Davis Poole of McIntosh County. With Barrow's second term expiring Dec. 31, 2025, the department solicited nominations from the public in accordance with board bylaws.

In his nomination letter, Gobeil emphasized the need for careful balance as coastal Georgia prepares for continued economic and population growth.

"These committees are especially important as we look out on the horizon of coastal Georgia and anticipate tremendous economic and population growth within our region over the next few decades," Gobeil wrote. "We only have one time to 'get it right' and to balance this anticipated growth by preserving our natural resources as dictated by our state and federal laws, regulation and public policy mandates."

DNR Commissioner Walter Rabon said Gobeil's experience will serve the committees and the state.

"Bart brings a strong record of leadership in government, conservation and economic development," said Rabon, who also chairs the CMPC and SPC "His broad experience and commitment to responsible stewardship makes him an excellent addition to these committees as we work to protect Georgia's coast for future generations."

CRD recommended Gobeil's appointment based on his extensive background in environmental conservation and state operations.

About Bart Gobeil

Gobeil serves as president of Platform Strategies, a business and public policy consulting firm, and is a partner at Transform, LLC, which helps organizations navigate large-scale operational change.

He previously served as president of the Georgia Conservancy, one of the state's oldest environmental organizations.
From 2011 to 2018, Gobeil served as chief operating officer for the state of Georgia under Gov. Nathan Deal, overseeing more than 60 state agencies and authorities with a combined annual budget exceeding $25 billion. His tenure included modernization efforts and implementation of complex statewide programs and reporting systems.

Gobeil and his family relocated to Savannah when he was appointed to the Georgia Ports Authority Board. He later joined the authority's staff, leading its economic development and state and local government affairs team for five years before entering the private sector.

About the Committees

The CMPC and SPC ensure responsible use of Georgia's coastal resources through review and permitting of activities regulated under state law. Their work supports the long-term health of coastal marshlands, beaches and the sand-sharing system while balancing responsible development. The CMPC and SPC determine if activities that would drain, dredge, fill, or otherwise alter Georgia's marshes or beaches are in the in the public's interest.

Home to more than 368,000 acres of protected marshes and 105 miles of shoreline, Georgia has been at the forefront of coastal conservation since the passage of the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act in 1970 and the Shore Protection Act in 1979.
For more information on coastal permitting or the work of the committees, visit CoastalGaDNR.org.

About the Coastal Resources Division

The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

Media Contact

Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
[email protected]
912-230-9709

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