The Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) has announced its 2020 Executive Committee with John Miller serving as Board Chair. Joining him as officers are Julian Miller, Vice Chair; Josua Rine, Secretary; Janet Kniss, Treasurer; and Toby Browne, Past Chair.

John Miller is the former Executive Director of Southernmost Homeless Assistance League and has many years of experience with Continuums of Care in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida. He was Executive Director of a HUD housing organization and has managed several other nonprofits and for profit companies. He is a former foster parent, a Red Cross 10-gallon blood donor, and active community volunteer. "I've been working with agencies serving the 'unhoused' for 20 years. I want to work to be sure everyone has a clean, safe, secure place to call home," said Miller.

Julian Miller moved to Savannah in 2005 to become publisher of the Savannah Morning News. After retirement from the newspaper industry in 2008, he started a group of real estate management companies, served five years as Public Affairs Director of the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, and served as Savannah City Council Alderman, 4th District 2016 – 2020.

Josua Rine, LPC, CPCS, was the Director of Operations for Union Mission 2013 – 2019 and is currently the Program Director at Recovery Place, Inc. He is a U.S. Army Veteran, recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for combat service in Operation Iraqi Freedom V, and is an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Trainer, as well as a 2019 TedX Savannah speaker.

Janet Kniss, CPA, is the Controller for BRW Construction Group, LLC and has over 20 years experience in financial and tax accounting, as well as expertise in controls and operational improvements for real estate development and construction.

Toby Browne owns Comprehensive Business Partners, LLC, a business consulting firm that offers corporate planning and tax services.  He joined the CSAH board in 2013 and has helped work to make the organization more financially sound while it has looked to expand the services it provides individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. He will serve on the Executive Committee for one additional year.

Three new members were also appointed to the board including Vernon Jones; Linda Wilder - Bryan, Savannah City Council Alderwoman, 3rd District; and Kurtis Purtee, Savannah City Council Alderman, 6th District. 

The new Executive Committee and board members join a group that includes Shawn Brown, Lynn Coleman, Pat Geoghegan, Angela Grant, John Hall, Sharon Hill, Carolyn Hughes, James “Jay” Jones, Jeff Rayno, Beverly Willett, and CSAH Executive Director Cindy Murphy Kelley. “We are grateful to have a commitment of service from so many influential and well-respected community leaders, and we look forward to working with our new leadership team” said Kelley. “Their courage and dedication to ending homelessness will strengthen the community’s motivation to make positive change.”