Blake Caldwell, MD
Chair
Blake Caldwell is a physician and scientist who retired in 2010 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is a pediatrician, but her early career included eight years in the Navy doing bacterial research, with a two-year tour teaching tropical public health and deployment medicine to Navy physicians in Panama. She joined the CDC in 1989, and her long career there included epidemiological research in HIV, health services research in health care quality and medical errors, and finally, health policy for infectious diseases.
She developed and initially ran Skidaway Farms, a large community garden on Skidaway Island. She chairs the Agriculture and Archaeology Committees for Sustainable Skidaway. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Landings Association. She has been Co-chair of the Savannah/Chatham Food Policy Council since 2013 and helped found the Healthy Savannah Grant Planning Working Group. In 2011-2012, she chaired a task force for the Metropolitan Planning Commission to revise the city and county animal control ordinances to encourage urban agriculture.
Blake is married to Joel Rosenstock, an Infectious Disease physician practicing in Atlanta, and they have two sons and three grandsons.
“Healthy Savannah is important because it enthusiastically promotes one of the unique aspects of our ‘not for profit’ community in Savannah – its collaborative character. Having worked in many communities I am continually surprised at the eagerness to cooperate and the generous attitude our partners have with one another.”
“Healthy Savannah makes an impact on the community through its breadth and depth of collaborations. As a coalition of over 200 organizations, it works throughout the community on a broad range of issues affecting health. Focusing on policy, the environment, and systems change, it can bring together diverse programs and initiatives enhancing each partner’s effort.”
Tom Bullock, PhD
Vice-Chair
Dr. Bullock is the Retention Specialist for Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus’ TRIO Student Support Services program and serves on the President’s Diversity Advisory Council. He serves as a Board member for numerous nonprofit organizations including, the Savannah Multicultural Chamber of Commerce, Healthy Savannah, The Heritage Signature Chorale, Whitman-Walker Health, United Aid for Africa, Resurrection Catholic Church Pastoral Council, and the Savannah Technical College Foundation.
Dr. Bullock is the founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization LEADERS, Inc., which serves to prepare undergraduate students for self-reliance, postgraduate opportunities, and leadership through the facilitation of, and exposure to, social and cultural competencies, professional development, and life skills.
One of his favorite sayings is, “Don’t wait for tomorrow to be successful, do one successful thing each day.”
“Healthy Savannah is important due to the pressing need to address health disparities among Savannah’s marginalized populations. Its impact is purposeful and measurable.”
“Healthy Savannah takes a bold stand against the entrenched disparities in social, nutritional, and environmental resources. By forging coalitions of partners, Health Savannah is shaping a future where health equity can be a reality.”
Nick Deffley, MS
Treasurer
Nick Deffley is the Director of Environmental Services & Sustainability at the City of Savannah, promoting a healthy, equitable, and economically vibrant community for our current citizens and future generations. Nick has worked with a variety of organizations locally including Armstrong University, Emergent Structures, Sustainativity, and Step Up Savannah on strategic planning, workforce development, and sustainability efforts. Prior to Savannah, Nick worked at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities where he developed sustainable building policies, managed the University’s first sustainable building program, and improved collaboration with women and minority-owned businesses on sustainable building projects. Nick has a multi-disciplinary Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Political Science & Communications and a Masters in Environmental Policy & Organizational Effectiveness.
“Healthy Savannah’s collaborative and inclusive approach spurs innovative policy, environment, and systems change that has far-reaching impacts on the health of Savannah and its residents.”
“The impact of Healthy Savannah is a direct result of its breadth and depth of relationships, connections, and partnerships that it has developed among so many organizations and people in Savannah and beyond.”
Cheri Dean
Secretary
Cheri Dean believes when basic human needs are met, individuals experience a greater sense of purpose and well-being. Fostering resiliency, through stability, a sense of belonging, and economic mobility, is the focus of her work at the United Way of the Coastal Empire. As a native of Savannah, Cheri is passionate about collaborating with the community and strategic partners to improve lives, especially in Coastal Georgia.
Dean earned a BA in Economics from Spelman College, MBA from Duke University, Fuqua School of Business, and MPH from Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. She began her career in Corporate America selling and marketing consumer products, providing strategic oversight for advertising executions, leading annual business planning cycles, among other critical functions. After a successful Corporate career, Cheri joined the ranks of entrepreneurs and advocates committed to social impact within vulnerable populations. In her hometown of Savannah, GA, she found a critical need to help young adults navigate their way out of poverty through educational achievement, meaningful employment, and other wraparound services.
Cheri serves as a Board Member of Savannah Economic Development Authority, Senior Citizens, Inc., Keep Savannah Beautiful, and other community organizations.
“Healthy Savannah embodies health through their optimistic and resilient approach to making life better and healthier for all of us. It’s a privilege to serve and advance Healthy Savannah’s priorities in collaboration with our community.”
“Healthy Savannah is an organization with demonstrated innovation and impact in our community. The Healthy Savannah Team is committed to equitable solutions for every aspect of life including food, exercise, safe, neighborhoods, and policies that shape our experience as Savannah residents.”
Yolanda Roberson
Faith and Health Coalition Chair
Yolanda Roberson is the co-founder of Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship, Inc. Kingdom Life is a community-driven and holistic ministry located on the Southside of Savannah, Georgia. Yolanda has served for the past 18 years as Executive Pastor.
Yolanda is an alumnus of Alfred Ely Beach High School. She is a graduate of Savannah State University where she earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Yolanda has a passion for the needs of people. She previously worked as a Case Manager for Coastal Center for Developmental Services for several years before devoting herself to full-time ministry. She has a desire to serve women of all ages and backgrounds. As a result, this led her to formulate “The Ladies of Life Women’s Group” which empowers women to become, and be, their best in every area of their lives.
Yolanda is married to Charles P. Roberson Sr., who serves as the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Life Christian Fellowship, Inc. They have two adult children, Charles, Jr. and Channah Patrice.
“Healthy Savannah is important because it affords the opportunity to educate and provide healthy options and resources to communities and people who are underserved.”
“Healthy Savannah is making an impact through awareness, policy changes, and implementation of physical support and education for the community through the numerous opportunities that it provides.”
Mary Arocha
Senior Vice President, YMCA of Coastal GA
Mary Arocha graduated from the University of North Carolina, Asheville, with a Degree in Marketing Management. Mary received a four-year athletic scholarship in Tennis and received the scholar Athlete Award upon graduation.
Mary has been a YMCA professional for the past 28 years. Mary began her career with the Metro Atlanta Association teaching several tennis camps for the YMCA Association. Mary was a teaching Tennis Pro instructing several doubles and mixed doubles teams for USTA and ALTA. Mary expanded her career working closely with Wayne Westcott, a spokesperson for the YMCA of The USA and Fitness and Research Director of South Shore YMCA, helping develop a weight management program. Under the leadership of Betsy Lenahan, she became a Director at the Downtown Atlanta YMCA.
Continuing her YMCA career with the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Mary has worked at several branches holding positions from Physical Director, Aquatics and Fitness Director, Associate Branch Director, Executive Director, and District Vice President. Mary is now the Senior VP of Healthy Living and oversees Fitness and Wellness for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia, as well as supervising 3 of the branches. Mary is a National YMCA Listen First YMCA trainer and has worked closely with the CEO of her Association to provide training opportunities to all staff.
Mary is on the board for YPN YMCA professionals, serving as the Lead for Wellness in the Peer Communities in Georgia. Mary was awarded the “C” in the YMCA for the AYP Recognition of Excellence 2 years from the AYP conference. Mary received the Program Director of the Year 2003, Presidential Staff Award 2012, Branch Director of the year 2012. CrossFit certification.
Mary has achieved Organizational Leader status through the YUSA training modules.
The Future of the Richmond Hill YMCA is close to Mary’s heart. As a 20-year resident of Bryan County Mary sees the growth of the County, and the potential of the Richmond Hill YMCA. The YMCA is a Community Organization established to meet the needs of the community. I” want the Richmond Hill YMCA to be the leader in serving the needs of this community. The YMCA si a safe place for teens, seniors, and strives to help people live healthier lives. I know we can have a dynamic impact on the future of Richmond Hill community with the support of strong partnerships uniting for the overall good of the community, families, and children here in Richmond Hill.”
While all of these certifications and qualifications enable Mary to better assist people with their life goals, her true passion and pursuit would be summed up in this scripture “Ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” 1Corinthians 6:20. ” I have a love for people, and I want them to achieve their goals. God has a purpose for each one of us and we can better accomplish that purpose with a Healthy Lifestyle and a Physically Fit body. When we take care of ourselves, we feel better about ourselves, and we can do so much more for the kingdom of God. “
“I believe that Healthy Savannah is important because it looks at the situations that our communities are experiencing every day as a whole. It assists people with making healthy choices and creates easy healthy avenues for nutrition, physical health, and mental health alternatives.”
“I believe that the collaborations that Healthy Savannah creates are the key to the success and health of our society. Drawing multiple partners together for a common good for our world and our communities is the key to impacting our communities culture toward improving health and wellness.”
Rhonda Barlow, MPH, RDN, LD, CLC
Rhonda Barlow is a Registered Dietitian and a Certified Lactation Counselor. She has worked in various capacities as a public health nutritionist for over 30 years, two of those years as a Peace Corps Volunteer. She currently works as a School Nutrition Coordinator with Chatham Public Schools. Rhonda has volunteered with Healthy Savannah since 2007.
“Healthy Savannah is important because it’s the single organizing cooperate force in the community moving the people of Savannah towards a healthier life and a better quality of life.”
“Healthy Savannah is making an impact in the community by consistently being a space for people to engage around, and in, healthy experiences.”
Tiffoni Buckle-McCartney
Tiffoni Buckle-McCartney is an experienced Environmental Health and Safety professional and Sustainability leader. Tiffoni is married to Daryl McCartney, a family physician, and they have two children. She currently works in the marine industry as a Corporate Sustainability Manager collaborating with businesses and community groups to maximize environmental and health programs. Tiffoni previously worked as the sustainability manager for Georgia Southern University campuses in Statesboro, Hinesville, and Savannah. Prior to her work in Georgia, she worked as a consultant for the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Tiffoni has worked with Sandals Resorts International as their Environmental Health and Safety Regional Manager, coordinating environmental and risk management programs. She has experience working in both the private sector and public sector in the Caribbean, Latin America, United States of America, and the United Kingdom on environmental health and safety. Trained as a Natural Resource Manager and Environmental Engineer; she holds a BSc. in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, an MSc. in Environmental Engineering, and a Master of Business Administration.
“Healthy Savannah is important as it is a resource for residents to find healthy options in the Coastal Empire. It is also a coalition of partners that meet to discuss policy and systematic changes which make a difference in the community.”
“Healthy Savannah is effecting meaningful change through its multifaceted initiatives in raising awareness, influencing policy changes, and fostering educational opportunities. Leveraging an extensive network cultivated within Savannah, the organization employs an equitable and inclusive grassroots approach to engage a diverse spectrum of stakeholders. By encouraging active participation, Healthy Savannah is not only fostering community involvement but also facilitating the adoption of health and wellness behaviors for the benefit of our collective well-being.”
Cristina Gibson, MPH
Partner Steering Chair
Cristina has been in public health for 19 years, in the divisions of epidemiology, youth development, and has finally found her passion in health promotion. She is the Chronic Disease Prevention Director for the Coastal Health District, serving all the counties along the coast of Georgia and her branch’s motto is “Make the healthy choice the easy choice.” Her current work involves increasing community assets in the way of opportunities for physical activity, access points to healthy foods, and smoke-free environments. She is a member of the Healthy Savannah Coalition, which was instrumental in helping the City of Savannah and Chatham County pass local smoke-free ordinances and at our local university, Armstrong State, adopt a 100% smoke-free campus policy.
“Healthy Savannah is so important to our community! It has brought together all community sectors – businesses, schools, houses of worship, community-serving organizations, wellness/health care systems – in the pursuit of improved community health. By encouraging healthy eating, moving more, smoke-free environments, and breastfeeding-friendly spaces, Healthy Savannah is a protective asset in the avoidance of chronic diseases. They support sustainable change by working on health policies, systems, and the built environment… making the healthy choice the easy choice.”
“Healthy Savannah’s impact is very noticeable in our community health data – we are seeing improved access to physical activity opportunities, healthy foods and ensured smoke-free environments. We are seeing less adult physical inactivity (when compared to our neighboring counties along the Coast of Georgia) and less emergency room admissions from heart attacks. More Savannah residents are speaking in terms of desiring more effective health policies, walkable neighborhoods and healthier food choices. Healthy Savannah is definitely a sustainable movement towards a healthier community.”
Sarah Hanson
Sarah Hanson is an experienced health and well-being educator with over 15 years of demonstrated history working in the industry. She recently left the City of Savannah where she served as the Health & Wellness Coordinator for over 11 years to take on a new role as the Bē Health & Well-Being Navigator with St Joseph’s/Candler. She is skilled in disease management, occupational health and health and wellness coaching. Sarah earned her Master’s in Public Health from Armstrong Atlantic State University with a strong emphasis in resiliency and positive psychology; as such, she has many tools to help increase resiliency and positivity toward increased success with lifestyle change. Sarah has received Certifications from WellCoaches School of Coaching as a Certified Health and Wellness Coach (CHWC), National Commission for Health Education Credentialing as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), YogaRenew as a Certified Mindfulness Coach and Emory University Diabetes and Technical Center as a Certified Lifestyle Coach for Diabetes Prevention.
Sarah is passionate about health education and helping others reach their health goals. As a health educator and wellness coach she believes in creating positive motivation through coaching conversation by focusing on participants individual strengths and internal resources to succeed in their goals. She has extensive experience in partnering, coaching and training individuals who are navigating their way with preexisting conditions and multiple challenges to see opportunities where obstacles previously resided.
Sarah “walks her talk” being a wellness coach and lives her life based on her values of faith, family, health, food and travel. She has a passion for running and has completed 14 ultra/marathons, mostly in the mountains, additionally she enjoys obstacle course races, biking and yoga. For relaxation she likes spending time with her family, yoga, reading and just being.
“Healthy Savannah is important as it encourages healthy living for all and, in turn, makes Savannah a healthier place to live, work, and play. I’ve been witness to several initiatives brought to fruition through the hard work of Health Savannah and its partners. The best part for me is they are working to make the healthy choice the easy choice for all of us!”
“Healthy Savannah is impacting our community by creating opportunities for the public to live healthy lives. They provide people with the tools to be stewards of their own well-being in an effort to make the healthy choice the easy choice!”
Otis Johnson, PhD
Founding Member
Dr. Johnson is the former mayor of Savannah, GA. While Mayor, in 2007, he planted the seed to start Healthy Savannah. A Savannah native, he graduated from Beach High School in 1960, Armstrong Junior College in 1964 (now Georgia Southern University) as the first African American graduate, and the University of Georgia in 1967. He served from 1959 to 1965 in the U.S. Naval Reserve. In 1969, he earned a master’s degree in social work from Clark Atlanta University, and, in 1980, he received his Ph.D. from the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University.
Before becoming mayor, Johnson worked for the Economic Opportunity Authority, Model Cities Program, and Savannah State University. From 1983 until 1988, he served as the City Council Representative for the second district of Savannah. He then became the Executive Director of the Chatham Savannah Youth Futures Authority He formerly served as chair of the board of trustees of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation. A longtime neighborhood leader on issues of youth development, he led the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Youth Futures Commission in Savannah. He also was dean of the School of Social Work at Savannah State and is a member of the Aspen Roundtable on Comprehensive Community Change.
MarRonde Lumpkin-Lotson
MarRonde A. Lumpkin-Lotson is the Business Opportunity Manager in the Economic Development Department of the City of Savannah, where she oversees the city’s Small and Minority Business programs as well as the business education programs targeted to entrepreneurs designed to help them start and grow their businesses. She has also played a significant role in the development of the City’s International initiative and is staff liaison to the Greater Savannah International Alliance. She has been with the City for more than 16 years.
Before joining to the City of Savannah team, MarRonde was City Administrator for the Town of Thunderbolt (Georgia) where she served for six years. In this appointment, she earned the distinction of being Thunderbolt’s first African American City Administrator and was also the first woman administrator.
MarRonde is a native Savannahian, educated in the local school system, and a 2x graduate of Savannah State University, earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in 1993 and a Master of Public Administration in 2000. MarRonde was recognized as one of our state’s Top 40 Under 40 Business and Governmental Professionals by Georgia Trend magazine. She is a graduate of Leadership Savannah and a graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia where she remains an active and engaged alumnus. Presently, MarRonde serves as the Vice Chair of the inaugural Chatham County Historic Preservation Commission and works with United Way of the Coastal Empire Campaign Cabinet.
MarRonde is married to Marcus K. Lotson, and they have two daughters, Maria Janese (age 20), a college junior, and Morgan Ellese (age 15), a 9th grader.
She is also very active in her church and her community. MarRonde is a Diamond-life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a member of The Links, Incorporated, and several other professional, civic, and social organizations that also serve the community.
“Healthy Savannah is important to our community because it convenes a cross-section of area agencies to participate, advocate, and educate our citizens in all facets of healthy living. Our greatest asset is the ability to provide resources and create partnerships that provide an equitable, healthy experience for all across our entire community.”
“Healthy Savannah’s impact is achieved when positive policy changes and greater resources are provided that lend to a healthier environment, healthier lifestyles, and a healthier community.”
Antonio “Tony” Murphy
Serves as a Deputy Director for Chatham County’s Parks and Recreation Department and has over 21 years of experience in the parks and recreation profession. A US Navy Veteran, he received a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Winthrop University. Tony has diligently served a few municipalities in various capacities before settling here in Savannah. In his service to Chatham County Mr. Murphy provides direction and growth for Chatham County Parks and Recreation Department’s development of recreational and leisure programming opportunities throughout the county thereby continuing to foster a sense of community and inclusion for the citizens of the county. It his desire to create and nurture healthy, happy, and flourishing communities through the adoption of a active, engaged for citizens of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities through the identification and subsequent elimination of barriers that impact this goal. An avid traveler, Tony finds delight in circumventing the world immersing himself in the joys, and wonders offered by the various cultures he finds himself visiting.
“Healthy Savannah plays a critical role in the promotion of community health and well-being. Given its efforts to bring all vested community stakeholders and partners to the table in a concerted effort to champion policies, legislation, and action that will help the Savannah, and the greater Chatham County become an sustain being a healthier, happy, and vibrant community for generations to come.”
“Through its efforts and labors Healthy Savannah’s impact can be seen and experienced in the many beneficial initiatives, policies, actions and events that are routinely produced, implemented, and executed. From the community walks, the informational podcast, the legislative lobbying effort, and the continual commitment to being the voice that drives the conversation to address the health disparities found in the community Healthy Savannah serves as a champion of change.”
Claudia Reyes
Claudia is a Colombian native and has lived in the United States for 24 years. She deeply understands the Latino community and its needs and is passionate about connecting them with available resources. Claudia is a translator-interpreter proficient in both Spanish and English. She possesses administrative, organizational, and multimedia communication skills. She is also a Spanish teacher and the owner of Real International Language Solutions. Her company helps bridge the communication gap between Spanish and English speakers by providing culturally relevant language services.
Claudia is a reliable, energetic, and hardworking individual who can take the initiative and lead intercultural projects. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Communications and a Master’s in Spanish and Education from Georgia Southern University. Additionally, Claudia is a volunteer outreach coordinator at Amanecer de Fe y Gloria Ministry as part of the Outside the Walls ministry. She is married to Leo Aldana, and they have two adult children and two grandsons.
Claudia has joined Healthy Savannah to help empower the community to make healthy choices and create a culture of health.
“Healthy Savannah is not just an organization; it’s a part of our community. It’s a network of local organizations that care about the health and well-being of the people of Savannah, our neighbors and friends. It’s also a platform that allows us to volunteer and make a difference in our community.”
“Healthy Savannah is making a vital impact by addressing food insecurities with culturally relevant approaches across Savannah’s diverse makeup, providing opportunities for physical exercise like Tide to Town trails, and disseminating information about nutrition and healthy lifestyles through the Faith and Health Coalition, among many other programs. They are not just talking about it; they are making a difference, “Creating an environment that makes a healthy choice an easy choice.”
Laura Schmarkey
Laura Schmarkey has been a Savannah resident since 2009, quickly finding a passion for
Coastal Georgia. Alumni of Armstrong State university with a Bachelor’s in Business Economics and a Master of Arts in Communication & Leadership specializing in Nonprofit Management. Laura is currently working for organizations like Goodwill of Southeast Georgia and YMCA of Coastal Ga. Her passion is Community Outreach and is lucky to have found a career in outreach programming and specializing in grant-funded projects.
“I see our greatest need is to connect all the margins of inequity to bring everyone
together to build a better community using our differences – Healthy Savannah is
connecting people to people for the greater good and a healthy Coastal Georgia.”
“Healthy Savannah reaches into crucial areas of our community—education, food, and
economic health—to enhance overall well-being.”
Krystal Sharp, BSN, RN
Krystal Sharp is an innovative leader with a proven history of transforming organizations through the application of targeted strategies designed to correct systematic flaws and personnel deficiencies utilizing various process improvement methodologies and promoting professional and personal development amongst staff.
She served on active duty in the United States Army for ten years, where she became an expert at operating Army training, logistic, and communication systems. Krystal was appointed to manage several departments, and, in each area, she made notable improvements and received accolades for stellar ratings during inspections, assisting with events such as the Paint the Town Pink run held in Iraq, and supporting combat efforts. She gained experience in logistic operations, human resource management, finance, legal, training & development, and business administration throughout her military career.
Krystal earned her bachelor’s in nursing from Armstrong State University and became a licensed registered nurse in 2017. She has been the Adult Health Supervisor at the Chatham County Health Department in Savannah, Georgia for two years. During her time in public health, she has assisted in improving the organization by providing high quality training to staff and delivering evidence based competent nursing care to community members. She was awarded the Georgia Public Health Association’s Maggie Kline Nursing Award for her efforts to streamline and set training standards in her department. In addition, she has assisted with activities including hurricane evacuations, COVID-19 pandemic response efforts, vaccination clinics, and numerous community outreach events, to include instructing an Infant Safe Sleep class. She is also available for collaboration as an Independent Contractor, and she plans to complete her Master of Science in Nursing degree and become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
“Healthy Savannah is important because it brings together change leaders from different backgrounds and offers a collaborative environment for community and organization leaders to brainstorm and take action to facilitate change across the city to combat food scarcity, promote safe environments, and advocate for policy changes that can positively impact the health and wellness of community members.”
“Healthy Savannah’s impact in the community is tremendous because of the number of collaborative partners who aid in promoting its mission. Strategies have been implemented and continue to expand to focus on nutrition, physical activity, breast feeding, and preventative health. These focus areas impact one’s quality of life; therefore, finding sustainable solutions or increasing access equals an improved sense of well-being.”
Tina Tyus-Shaw
Tina Tyus-Shaw is a National Edward R. Murrow and Emmy award-winning journalist and Evening News Anchor at WSAV-TV in Savannah, GA.
She began her television career at WAGA-TV in 1986 as a receptionist/news desk assistant. She took advantage of that time in the newsroom to work and learn from reporters, anchors, and photographers. She also spent time at WOBR Radio on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, WRBL-TV as a news anchor.
April 6, 2022, marked Tina’s 30th Anniversary at WSAV-TV. She has explored breast health issues facing women for more than 20 years. Her work goes beyond health. Tina covered the late Nelson Mandela’s visit to Atlanta and the 1996 Olympic Games. Tina is the proud niece of Olympic Legend Wyomia Tyus, the first person ever to win back-to-back gold medals in the 100 meters in 1964 and 1968. Tina was chosen as a Savannah “Community Hero” Torchbearer for the Olympic Torch Run across Georgia.
Tina was inducted into The National Academy of Arts & Sciences Silver Circle for Lifetime Achievement in Television in 2016. In 2020, Savannah State University honored her with the Robert S. Abbott Memorial Award for Meritorious Service in Mass Communications. Tina has received Associated Press & Edward R. Murrow awards for her work in journalism. The State of Georgia honored her with The Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award in 2020.
Subsequently, by combining her love for television news and her passion for young people she created “Speakademy”, a course which teaches teens how to strengthen their public speaking and communication skills
Tina is a proud HBCU graduate of Tennessee State University. She is also a member of the National Association of Black journalists.
“Health Savannah is important because it offers our community valuable knowledge about healthy lifestyle changes. Not having access to healthy foods and that educational piece, a lot of people face health issues like high blood pressure. Seeing people suffer with these issues inspires me to do something to teach healthy self-care, and being relatable to different communities is key for me. Our communities need Healthy Savannah, but it’s all about strategy. One size fits all doesn’t work. While we all may not face the same barriers, we must admit food deserts do exist. We all have to be able to give people access to meal cards to improve their health.”
Kurtis Watkins
Dr. Kurtis D. Watkins is a proud first-generation college graduate with over a decade of experience in public, private, for-profit, and non-profit higher education institutions.
As an awarded Student Affairs professional, Dr. Watkins brings expertise in organizational management, student development, executive operations and is celebrated for his advancements in the areas of residence life, student activities, crisis management, Title IX, campus-wide mental health initiatives, and strategic planning.
He has served on the boards of the Mid-Atlantic Association of College and University Housing Officers as the Director of Strategic Initiatives, and on the board of Rho Alpha Sigma as the Director of Educational Programs.
A gifted visual artist, Dr. Watkins earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, his Master of Arts in Teaching at Morgan State University, and his doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration at Saint Peter’s University.
He currently serves as the Dean of Student Affairs and is a recent graduate of United Way of the Coastal Empire’s Black Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Non-profit Leadership Symposium. He is an active member of the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASPA) and the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA).
“Healthy Savannah is critically important as it sets a standard and a model of excellence for our community and surrounding neighbors that our collective health is a source of strength and pride for our vitality and longevity.”
“Healthy Savannah is making significant impacts within the community through intentional collaborations and dedicated advocacy for improved policies and opportunities for a more healthy Savannah.”
Johnathan Winbush
Mr. Johnathan R. Winbush is a native of Chicago, Illinois, with deep ancestral roots in Georgia and South Carolina. He is a writer and researcher of Low Country History and Culture. Johnathan also studies 19th Century American Thoroughbred Racehorses.
An alumnus of Xavier University of Louisiana, Mr. Winbush has over a decade of governmental & administrative experience. He co-founded The Ella Baker Freedom School; a parent-based, homeschooling initiative in Chicago. He has worked for the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum in Savannah with noted historian, Mr. W.W. Law. He also served on former Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson’s Citizens’ Task Force on Public Safety and Education. Mr. Winbush currently serves as the Outreach Liaison for Parent University and a Resource Specialist for The Front Porch, a risk-reduction program for families. Johnathan also coordinates special projects on community gardening to promote healthier lifestyles for the residents of Chatham County.
“Healthy Savannah is important because it is an organization on the leading edge of advancing policies and programs for health and wellness initiatives for all the residents of our greater community.”
“Over the course of the past decade and a half, Healthy Savannah has made a difference for those who have embraced the responsibility for their own health. My point of view is: We can lead people to water; though, we must assure them that it is clean and safe to drink!”
Tiffany Young
Tiffany Young is a leader in the field of Public Health and a health equity subject matter expert. Her public health career has spanned over 15 years working on issues related to advocacy, chronic disease prevention, and health promotion. A University of Maryland-trained public health social worker, Tiffany is an unapologetic social reformer and compassionate crusader for justice, whose mission is to elevate equity and promote health for all people. Not only is she co-founder and CEO of Epic Health Solutions, a small consulting firm focused on engaging, educating, and empowering this generation to incite the kind of social change that lifts equity and upholds social justice in all ways, but she consults with national organizations such as the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, the National Parks and Recreation Association, and the Urban Land Institute on issues of chronic disease and health equity.
She’s known for her thought-provoking insights into the social issues that adversely impact the health of racial and ethnic minorities throughout the United States and beyond. She has a profound ability to captivate and connect audiences in efforts to bridge the racial and wealth gaps that have both defined and divided our nation.
Tiffany received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from Geneva College in 2003 and Masters Degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of Maryland Baltimore in 2008. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist, a Fitness Instructor, a Body Builder, and a Certified Health Coach. Tiffany is originally from Harrisburg, PA but currently resides in Savannah, Georgia with her ten-year-old Maltipoo named Riesling.
“Healthy Savannah is important because the work we are doing together with and in the community is saving lives and giving the people who need it most the access and opportunities they need to live their fullest and healthiest lives.”
“Healthy Savannah is making an impact by illuminating the inequities that exist in our community and working to uproot the systems that perpetuate those inequities through policy, systems, and environmental changes. We are truly working to make the healthy choice the easy choice for every person in Savannah.”
