Elevate Savannah Hosts Fourth Annual Leadership Awards
The local organization celebrated community leaders at a dinner hosted at Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees Garden.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
Elevate Savannah held its 4th Annual Leadership Awards Dinner on October 15, 2026, to honor local contributors. The organization also announced the appointment of David E. Jacobsen as its new Executive Director.
Why it matters
This dinner serves to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact on the Savannah community. By bringing together mentors, educators, and supporters, the event fosters discussions about the future of youth mentorship in the area.
Last year's event raised more than $250,000 to support the organization's mission. The recent dinner marks the 4th annual edition of this leadership-focused gathering.
The players
David E. Jacobsen
He is the new Executive Director of Elevate Savannah.
Helen Downing
She was one of the individuals recognized with a leadership award at the ceremony.
Dr. Shirley James
She received a leadership award for her contributions to the Savannah community.
Dr. Jermaine Whirl
He was honored as a recipient of the organization's leadership award.
The details
The event brought together community leaders, educators, and mentors at Kehoe Iron Works at Trustees Garden. Attendees connected with students and board members to discuss the ongoing impact of mentorship programs in Savannah.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Elevate Savannah held its annual leadership awards dinner.
Market Landscape
This event reflects the broader growth of nonprofit mentorship programs in the Southeast by highlighting the essential role of community-based leadership recognition. The ceremony follows a pattern set by regional nonprofits that rely on recurring award events to sustain engagement and local philanthropy.
Residents interested in mentorship opportunities can connect directly with the organization to support local students and educators. Those seeking further information about upcoming programs or the leadership change can reach the group at 912-483-7242.
The takeaway
Recognizing local leaders helps strengthen the mentorship ecosystem that supports regional student success. Community members can improve local outcomes by actively participating in mentorship networking events throughout the year.
Further reading
For additional context on local leadership and community developments, read more in Savannah People.
More information
Review the full Elevate Savannah organizational information for additional details on their community mission.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Savannah Tribune.
