SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – New year, new leadership, and a fresh focus on health! Healthy Savannah is stepping into 2025 with a brand-new executive director with new goals for the Coastal Empire.
Right now, about 72% of streets in Savannah don't have a sidewalk on either side.
This is one of the many issues that Healthy Savannah's new director plans to tackle.
On January 1st, Armand Turner officially began his first day as Healthy Savannah's new Executive Director. Turner joined the group in 2019 and is taking the reins from Paula Kreissler, who is retiring after 17 years.
The organization prioritizes promoting physical activity, nutritious diets, and equal access to healthy living across Savannah. Under his leadership, Armand plans to seek long-term solutions to day-to-day issues that cause residents to be unhealthy and increase the organization's capacity for fundraising.
"Paula Kreissler has been the Executive Director at Healthy Savannah for as long as the position has existed. Paula and I have had a great relationship. She's been a great mentor for me. And when she originally asked me if I was interested in the position? I was kind of surprised, but she's been so good at working with me along the last year and a half of really just training me and preparing me for this position," said Armand Turner, the new executive director of Healthy Savannah.
Turner says Healthy Savannah will continue to focus on important issues such as adult immunization, and breastfeeding support. He is also the board president for the Tide-to-Town project, a 30-mile trail project that connects the Savannah community.
"Things like the Tides-to-Town can help address that. We're also interested in things around breastfeeding and lactation. A lot of these companies and businesses throughout Savannah may not have a lactation room or a means for the mothers that work there too, (they need a place) to safely and securely and privately breast. We want to work with those institutions to address that issue," said Turner.
Armand Turner's goals for Healthy Savannah:
- Commitment to Health: Turner plans to continue the mission of improving health and wellness in Savannah through policy advocacy, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement.
- Key Initiatives: Turner has been instrumental in efforts like the Truman Linear Park Trail and Tide to Town project, focused on physical activity and safer public spaces.
- Growing Partnerships: Healthy Savannah’s network includes over 200 partners, and Turner aims to expand collaborations to reach more residents and create lasting change.
- Health Focus: Turner’s leadership will continue focusing on adult immunization, breastfeeding support, nutrition, physical activity, and preventive health.
Healthy Savannah was formed in 2007 by former Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson.
This is the first time the organization has seen a new director since its creation.
For more information or to get involved, visit Healthy Savannah’s website here.