The second director of CrimeStoppers has returned to helm Chatham County’s anonymous tip-gathering agency.
Dodie Gay will run the 24/7 organization that allows residents to call in confidentially with information that can help police solve crimes.
Gay served nearly 10 years as the second director of the program, which began in 1983. A board of community volunteers, media representatives and law enforcement officials oversee CrimeStoppers’ awards, fundraising and policies.
The CrimeStoppers tip line serves the eight municipalities and police departments within Chatham County in addition to other county, state and federal agencies.
In 1991, Gay became one of the few civilians to receive recognition among her peers and as Director of the Year award by CrimeStoppers International Inc. The civilian based program Silent Witness’ name was changed to Savannah-Chatham County CrimeStoppers to add consistency with the international network of other crime-tip lines. During Gay’s tenure, the program earned several international and southeast regional recognitions, such as Best Media Award and Most Cases Solved among similar size programs.
“We’re glad to have Dodie back as director,” said Pooler Police Chief Mark Revenew, who’s on the board. “As the previous director, she helped advance CrimeStoppers to the vital crime solving tool it is today. We’re confident that she will continue to improve it in our efforts to help combat crime in our region.”
Her professional law enforcement experience includes working with victims of crime and crime prevention programs. She has volunteered extensively with the Coastal Crisis Response Team serving at Ground Zero in New York and New Jersey only days after 9/11. She served as president of local boards, clubs and fundraisers for Sunrise Savannah Rotary, the American Red Cross, the American Diabetes Association, American Business Woman’s Association, Southeast Georgia Association of Public Administrators, the Armstrong State University Alumni Association and others. She is a member of the Chief Financial Officers Council and a Leadership Savannah alumni.
She was once vice president of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce over Government Affairs and Existing Industry, the Military Affairs Council, the Small Business and other Chamber committees. Gay earned degrees in criminal justice and public administration attending Armstrong, Savannah State University, Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia.
