SCAD Salutes honors creativity, kindness, goodness, and grit
SCAD Salutes recognizes important connections and essential values SCAD shares with local leaders in the university's hometowns of Atlanta and Savannah. Bestowed by President Wallace, the award celebrates people, businesses, and organizations who persevered through the pandemic with valuable contributions to the community that create a better future for all.
SCAD Salutes honorees
Service Brewing Co. co-founder and creative marketing director Meredith Sutton receives the SCAD Salutes award. Since the company's founding, Sutton and husband, co-founder, and military veteran Kevin Ryan have raised more than $100,000 for local, regional, and national organizations that support service members and first responders.
Ariana Berksteiner, executive director of Emmaus House Soup Kitchen, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. Founded in 1982 through the collective commitment of local churches, Emmaus House provides a respite from the elements and more than 40,000 hot meals annually to community members experiencing homelessness.
Wendy Melton, director of the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, receives the SCAD Salutes award for the museum's meticulous preservation of the city's maritime history. Home to the largest private gardens in the historic district, Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum delights visitors with a lens into life in 18th- and 19th-century Savannah.
Zoe Rinker, executive director of the Savannah Tree Foundation, receives the SCAD Salutes award. For 40 years, the Savannah Tree Foundation has championed awareness, protection, and growth for Chatham County's environment, including its hallmark urban forest.
Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Company sales center manager Eric Nyantakyi and director Jack Sherman receive the SCAD Salutes award. Since 1902, the Savannah Coca-Cola Bottling Company has served effervescent refreshments — and poured positive contributions into the organizations, institutions, and programs that uplift local communities.
Gregory B. Kelly, executive director of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, receives the SCAD Salutes award. With roots going back to the 1910s, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport has helped nurture the region's economic and cultural growth for more than a century, embodying the charm and hospitality of the Hostess City of the South.
Hunter Maclean managing partner Bradley Harmon receives the SCAD Salutes award for the firm's longstanding, active support and involvement with organizations that empower the community.
JCB North America President and CEO Richard Fox-Marrs receives the SCAD Salutes award for the company’s support of local organizations and communities through initiatives that help address food insecurity like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Coastal Georgia.
Flint North, owner and CEO of Speedi Sign, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award for steadfast commitment to customer service for local businesses and organizations.
Courtney Victor, owner of Glow Medical Spa, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. For more than 15 years, Glow Medical Spa has cultivated transformative wellness for Savannahians through dedicated customer service and personalized care.
SCAD honors Tourism Leadership Council CEO and president Michael T. Owens for continued pursuit of TLC’s mission to provide a unified group of committed leadership pledged to promote, protect, and serve the interests of the tourism and hospitality community in Savannah.
Executive director Gena P. Taylor and staff of Greenbriar Children’s Center pose with the SCAD Salutes award. SCAD honors Greenbriar Children’s Center and its mission of providing services that lead to the healthy development of children and strengthening of families.
SCAD honors Trip Tollison, president and CEO of Savannah Economic Development Authority, who oversees all aspects of SEDA including attracting, retaining, and expanding business in and around Savannah.
Ruel Joyner, owner and CEO of 24e Design Company, receives the SCAD Salutes award. A family-owned business, 24e specializes in modern and contemporary furniture, interior design, home décor, and accessories.
SCAD recognizes Tracey Pratt, director of Heavenly Spa by Westin, as a SCAD Salutes honoree. Heavenly Spa provides luxurious, memorable experiences to uplift Savannah guests mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Cindy Kelley, executive director for the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award for her work with the Tiny House Project, a community built to reduce the number of homeless U.S. veterans.
Shayne George, chief executive officer of Memorial Health University Medical Center, receives the SCAD Salutes award. Memorial Health delivers the most comprehensive care across southeast Georgia and trains the next generation of health care professionals.
SCAD honors Staci Donegan with the SCAD Salutes award for her unwavering commitment to Savannah’s vibrant culture of community, art, and richly preserved history.
Charles Brazil, regional manager for Historic Tours of America, which includes the Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah, receives the SCAD Salutes award. Old Town Trolley Tours delights local Savannahians and visitors alike with tales of more than 100 of the city’s most interesting locations.
Paul Hansen, president of Hansen Architects, receives the SCAD Salutes award from Danny Filson, SCAD executive director of executive administration. For decades, Hansen and his team have worked tirelessly to preserve the historic architecture and charm of Georgia’s First City.
Deep Center director of development and communications Coco Papy is shown with the SCAD Salutes award. SCAD honors the Deep Center for its ceaseless work to empower underserved youth across Savannah through arts and the written word, igniting confidence in literacy and leadership for thousands since 2008.
SCAD Salutes honors Will Green, owner of Old Savannah Tours. The Hostess City’s longest-running trolley tour, Old Savannah Tours journeys through centuries of storied history with a cast of local notable figures.
Greg Parker, founder of Parker’s and the Parker’s Community Fund, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. The Parker’s Community Fund provides critical funding to combat food insecurity and support local educators, health care workers, and first responders around the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.
Espousing its hallmark focus on quality service, Guerry Lumber's quick action and care for both customer and crew saw the Savannah institution through a year of unprecedented change. Owner Lynda Beam, along with president Steve Chick, VP Lindy Wheat, and general manager Will Wheat, are honored with the SCAD Salutes award.
Al and Trisha Lang, owners of award-winning Baker's Pride Bakery, are recognized with the SCAD Salutes award for the grit and imaginative spirit marshaled to continue their decades-long tradition of scrumptious sweets and Southern hospitality.
Beth Nelson, executive director of the Savannah Film Commission, is shown with the SCAD Salutes award. The Commission's tireless work as the hub of information for the entertainment industry continues to bolster Savannah's reputation as one of the premier filming locations in the Southeast.
Yusuf and Estella Shabazz, owners of Shabazz Seafood, along with daughter Khalifa, receive the SCAD Salutes award. Since 1989, the Shabazz family has served up fresh seafood and, amid global uncertainty, ushered in an era of creativity and innovation to carry on their rich legacy.
Starland Pilates founder Kate Colette is honored with the SCAD Salutes award for the studio's boundless commitment to the well-being of SCAD and Savannah community members.
Lori Judge, founder and CEO of Judge Realty, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. Continuing its more than 15-year legacy of community and customer service, Judge Realty has unceasingly supported local artists and modeled greener practices that preserve the beauty and vitality of Savannah.
Vaughnette Goode-Walker, owner of Footprints of Savannah, is shown with the SCAD Salutes award. Through her Footprints of Savannah tours, Goode-Walker has continued to offer Savannah natives and visitors alike an insightful glimpse into Savannah's past, from the untold stories of enslaved Africans to the very footprints of the city's historic architecture.
Paul Hinchey, president and CEO of St. Joseph's/Candler, poses with the SCAD Salutes award. SCAD honored St. Joseph's/Candler for its championing of health and well-being for communities across the Southeast, including increased vaccine education and critical service advocacy for marginalized populations.
Danny Filson, SCAD executive director of executive administration, presents Stratton Leopold, owner of Leopold's Ice Cream, with the SCAD Salutes award. Leopold's has doled out delectable desserts, sweet scoops, and other tasty treats for more than a century, a family legacy that continues to draw in visitors from around the world.
SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace presents the SCAD Salutes award to Gulfstream Aerospace CEO Mark Burns. For more than 60 years, Gulfstream has helped propel commercial aviation into the future. In this past year, the titan of air-based transportation used its spirit of innovation to help deliver critical vaccines for tens of thousands of community members across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, thanks to its partnership with GEMA, Hospice Savannah Inc., and Savannah Technical College.
President of Bethesda Academy H. Michael Hughes, Ph.D., receives the SCAD Salutes award from SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace. For more than 280 years, the Bethesda Academy has nurtured the academic and spiritual development of young boys who go on to become transformative leaders.
Jere and Elizabeth Myers, owners of Jere's Antiques, are recognized with the SCAD Salutes award for their boundless dedication to authentic antiques, carefully designed bespoke furniture, and exceptional experiences.
Ernesto Fernandez, general manager of Andaz Savannah, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. For nearly a decade, the boutique luxury hotel has offered Savannah residents and visitors to the city alike a signature experience built on an enduring commitment to customer care.
E. Shaver, Bookseller owners Jessica Osborne and Melissa Taylor are recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. Since 1975, E. Shaver has provided a delightful, storied book-buying experience for Savannahians, including SCAD students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Sisters of the New South owner Kenneth Brown receives the SCAD Salutes award from Michelle Gavin, SCAD executive director of communications. This homestyle restaurant delights patrons with delicious Southern cuisine made from scratch using recipes passed down for generations.
Austin Hill, founder of Austin Hill Realty, poses with the SCAD Salutes award. The boutique real estate firm has served the Savannah area for more than 40 years and continues its legacy of community-minded business with its Location Gallery, which features works from local artists, including SCAD students, faculty, and alumni, and donates half of its profits to area charitable organizations.
SCAD Executive Director of Communications Michelle Gavin presents the SCAD Salutes award to Jack O'Connor, president and CEO of the Matthew Reardon Center for Autism. Operating one of Georgia's few year-round, accredited day schools for individuals with autism, MRCA serves as an advocate for children with autism and their families and as a resource for community leaders for autism-related training.
Visit Savannah President Joe Marinelli poses with the SCAD Salutes award. Visit Savannah has unceasingly served as the link between local businesses, visitors, and the remarkable experiences Savannah offers.
Julie Driscoll, founder of Garden on the Square, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. For more than 20 years, the staff at Garden on the Square has fashioned fresh flowers and distinctly charming arrangements.
Auspicious Baking Co. owners Mark Ekstrom and Katie Bryant are recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. Since 2017, Auspicious Baking Co. has continued to dish out delicious pastries, breads, and other treats to Savannahians at heart and here at home.
Bertice Berry, sociologist, author, and owner of NDND Designs, poses with the SCAD Salutes award. Through NDND Designs, Berry and her team sent thousands of masks throughout Savannah and the U.S. to health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more than 75 years, Curry Dry Cleaners has served Savannahians with courtesy, care, and quality. Owners John and Lisa Curry receive the SCAD Salutes Award from Danny Filson, executive director of SCAD executive administration.
Owner of Unforgettable Bakery + Café, Belinda Baptiste is honored with the SCAD Salutes award. Baptiste has taken the storefront's sweet treats beyond the bakery, establishing a nonprofit with the goal of sending youth from underserved communities in Savannah to college.
SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace honors Back in the Day Bakery owners Cheryl and Griffith Day for channeling their resilience and ingenuity into serving their beloved baked goods to Savannahians and by shipment nationwide.
Su Dang, owner of LUSH Spa + Nail Salon, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award for the salon's unmatched, continued service to the community.
"We're very honored to receive the SCAD Salutes award. It says a lot when an institution like SCAD recognizes our organization for what we do."
Mike Traynor | CEO, Union Mission
Mike Traynor, CEO of Savannah's Union Mission, receives the SCAD Salutes award. Union Mission's initiatives provides resources and programming to end housing and health care insecurity in Savannah.
SCAD Salutes honoree Marcia Thompson, restauranteur and granddaughter of Mrs. Wilkes, and Ryon Thompson, owner and manager of Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room.
Pritpal Singh, general manager of luxury hotel Perry Lane, poses with the SCAD Salutes award.
Carol Daly-Wilder, owner of Momentum Pilates, is recognized with the SCAD Salutes award. A place of mind-body peace for many, Momentum Pilates quickly revitalized its operations approach to virtually meet the needs of Savannahians near and far, including SCAD students, faculty, and staff.
SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace with Mashama Bailey and John O. Morisano, partners at The Grey restaurant.
SCAD Salutes honors Al Kennickell, president of the Kennickell Group, a Savannah-based company providing print, marketing, and international fulfillment services throughout the U.S.
SCAD honors Dr. Paul Bradley, vaccine researcher and former chairman of the SCAD Board of Trustees.
SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace with Mahogany Bowers, founder of Blessings in a Book Bag, a nonprofit organization in Savannah working to end food insecurity for elementary-aged children.
Malena Stone, founder of People of Action Caring for Kids, poses with the SCAD Salutes award. PACK distributes more than 10,000 bags of food and other supplies each month to children across Savannah.
Shirley James, publisher of the nation's oldest African American weekly newspaper, the Savannah Tribune, receives her SCAD Salutes award.
Leading by example and creating a better future for all
Hear more from our SCAD Salutes award winners, how they’ve impacted our communities, and what receiving the award means to them.
Active partners in creating thriving communities
SCAD is privileged to help elevate our cities and neighbors through art, culture, education, and historic preservation. With the support of SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace, SCAD remains active in championing local businesses and enriching local communities.