Step Up Savannah, a nonprofit organization that promotes economic opportunity and financial security for residents of Chatham County, Ga., is pleased to announce Henry Criss has joined its team as director of financial security. In this role, Criss will oversee Step Up Savannah’s work in helping individuals become and remain financially secure.

Other duties include expanding and integrating key asset-building community programs and initiatives including the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), benefits screening and enrollment (SNAP, PeachCare/Medicaid), Bank On Savannah, and financial education. Additionally, Criss is responsible for developing various initiatives to help low-income individuals access affordable and safe financial services.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Criss’ diverse and extensive background in government and nonprofit work includes time spent in leadership roles within church ministry and as the administrative manager for the Town of Ridgeland Fire Department, where he previously managed major department programs and projects and provided oversight over the organization’s fiscal operations.

Criss graduated from Liberty University, cum laude, with a B.S. in Religion and received a Master of Public Administration in public and non-profit management. He currently serves on the advisory council for the Jasper Community Fund and the board of directors of the Sergeant Jasper Club as the secretary/treasurer. He previously served as the treasurer of the Jasper County Council on Aging and several other community organizations.