Urban Hope is a local, grass roots nonprofit located in Savannah, instilling hope in the inner city children of Savannah and empower them to seek change in their lives and in their community. The organization is excited to announce their new Board members, as well their excitement for Urban Hope’s future and the impact it will have on Savannah. The new Urban Hope Board Members are Crista Waggoner, Doug Carroll, Travis Thomas, Renay Evans and Nicholas Lee.

Crista Waggoner, RHU, Account Manager at Seacrest Partners. A native of Gainesville, GA, Crista joined Seacrest Partners in 2013 and works with the mid-large group clients. Crista has always been involved in her community and now will dedicate her volunteer efforts to serving as Secretary for the Urban Hope Board. She feels strongly about empowering the Savannah youth and believes Urban Hope’s programs are at the forefront for doing so.

Doug Carroll, Director of Real Estate at Enmark Stations, Inc. Doug manages the company’s real estate strategy, including site selection and acquisition of Enmark-owned real estate, and oversees the existing real estate portfolio, disposition and re-position of surplus property. Doug, a native of Savannah, is invested in his hometown and would like to see the Urban Hope program grow to include many more at risk and inner city children.

Travis Thomas, Commercial Banking Manager for South State Bank. He has been with the company since 2007 and has been in the banking business since 2003. Travis will use his financial expertise to help ensure Urban Hope’s programs function at their greatest potential. He will be a crucial member of the Board’s Finance Committee.

Renay Evans,  Senior Accountant at Hancock Askew & Company. Renay obtained her Master of Accountancy from Georgia Southern University and she believes that accounting is more than just numbers and law, but rather a field to build relationships with clients and to help them succeed. This is also her goal as an Urban Hope Board and Finance Committee member; Renay wants to give of her time and talents to help the children who attend Urban Hope exceed their dreams and expectations.

Nicholas Lee, Business Development, JCB. A native of Metter, GA, Nick works with JCB, expanding the Agricultural distribution channel.  With a BS and Masters in AG Sciences from UGA, he enjoys putting his horticultural knowledge to work on a family farm in Tattnall County and in Savannah, at the Midtown Community Garden. He is a dedicated member of Wesley Monumental UMC, where he met and was inspired by Jack Roszkowiak, Founder of Urban Hope. As a Board Member, Nick is enthusiastic to inspire greater community awareness for Urban Hope and garner additional support from the Savannah community.

These new Board Members join the team of passionate and dedicated Board members: Cassie Beckwith, Board Chair; Mark Thomas, President; Bryan Robinson, Vice-President; Julius Haynes, Treasurer; Louise Connell; Heather Lundy and Natalie Aiken.