Visit Savannah Communications Leaders Honored with PRSA Women of Impact Awards

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, August 12th, 2026

Visit Savannah communications leaders Supriya Christopher and Tanvi Chauhan have been named recipients of the inaugural Public Relations Society of America Women of Impact Awards.

Christopher, Visit Savannah’s Director of Public Relations, received the award in the Travel & Tourism category, while Chauhan, Communications Manager, was honored with the Rising Star Award. They were recognized during the PRSA Women of Impact Summit & Awards held Aug. 6 at the Union League Club of Chicago.

The national awards celebrate women whose leadership, innovation and influence are strengthening organizations, advancing the communications profession and creating opportunities for others. Honorees represent a range of career stages and practice areas from across the country.

“This national recognition is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the meaningful stories we have the privilege of sharing about Savannah and Tybee Island,” Christopher said. “I am especially proud to be recognized alongside Tanvi, whose creativity, determination and commitment to excellence represent the very best of the next generation of communications leaders.”

Christopher leads Visit Savannah’s earned media strategy for leisure travel and meetings and conventions, positioning Savannah and Tybee Island before regional, national and international audiences. A communications professional with more than 30 years of experience, she has worked in broadcast journalism, public affairs, government relations and strategic communications. Since joining Visit Savannah, Christopher has helped secure high-profile media coverage that has strengthened awareness of the destination and showcased its history, culture, culinary scene, hospitality and visitor experiences.

“This award is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes not only professional achievement, but also the importance of continuing to learn, grow and create opportunities for others,” Chauhan said. “I am grateful to PRSA, to Supriya for her leadership and mentorship, and to the entire Visit Savannah team for encouraging bold ideas and thoughtful storytelling.”

As communications manager, Chauhan supports Visit Savannah’s media relations, destination storytelling and strategic communications initiatives. Her work helps connect journalists with the people, places and experiences that distinguish Savannah and Tybee Island as world-class destinations.

“We are immensely proud of Supriya and Tanvi for earning this distinguished national recognition,” said Joseph Marinelli, President and CEO of Visit Savannah. “Their talent, strategic thinking and passion for Savannah contribute immeasurably to our organization and our community. These awards demonstrate the strength of our public relations team and the impact of their work in telling Savannah’s story to audiences around the world,” added Visit Savannah’s Chief Marketing Officer, Angela Westerfield.

PRSA Chair Heide Harrell, MA, APR, said the inaugural honorees demonstrate that leadership is measured not only by individual achievement, but also by the people leaders inspire, mentor and empower. She noted that the recipients’ vision, integrity and commitment to excellence are strengthening the communications profession and opening doors for its next generation of leaders.