Armand Turner Appointed Executive Director of Healthy Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Jan. 6, 2025 - PRLog -- AVANNAH, GA – Healthy Savannah is pleased to announce the appointment of Armand Turner as its new executive director, effective January 1, 2025. He takes over the helm from Paula Kreissler, who is retiring after serving the organization for the past 17 years.

"It has been a privilege to serve alongside Armand in helping create a healthier and more equitable Savannah," said Kreissler. "I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished, and I know that Healthy Savannah will continue to thrive under his leadership. His forward-thinking vision will guide this organization into the next chapter of its impact on the region."

Turner has been with Healthy Savannah since 2019, serving as its first Physical Activity program manager and most recently being appointed as the first deputy director of Healthy Savannah. He is well-known for his leadership in promoting community health initiatives across Savannah and Chatham County.

"As the new executive director, I plan to continue to build on Healthy Savannah's mission of improving the health and wellness of all Savannah residents through policy advocacy, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement," said Turner.

Turner brings a wealth of experience to his new role. After graduating from Indiana University in 2014, he worked with various parks & recreation departments in Denver and Dallas before serving as Recreation and Intramural Sports coordinator at Albany State University in Ga. His dedication to public health and community well-being led him to Savannah, where he joined Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia as part of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) team.

He was named by Savannah Magazine in 2023 as one of 20 local movers, shakers and change-makers making its "Savannahians of the Year" list of those who "made a real impact on the region and creating a brighter Savannah for the next generation."

Turner recently earned a master's degree in business administration from Savannah State University, graduating in December 2024. He is an alum of Leadership Savannah and Leadership Southeast Georgia and has mentored participants in Smart Growth America's Walking College. He also serves as board president for Friends of Tide To Town, an organization that champions Savannah's urban trail network.

ABOUT HEALTHY SAVANNAH
Healthy Savannah, a 501©3 public charity is a public/private coalition of over 150 businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, schools, neighborhood organizations, and healthcare and government agencies, which began as an initiative of City of Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson, formed in 2007. Visit http://www.healthysavannah.org for more information.