The Forsyth Farmers’ Market, South Georgia’s largest farmers market, recently hired three new team members to deepen the nonprofit’s commitment to supporting local, sustainable farming and expanding community access to fresh, healthy food through year-round programs. 

The following health and nonprofit leaders recently joined the Forsyth Farmers’ Market team:

CAREEN TURNER, M.S., Director of Philanthropy - As the new Director of Philanthropy at the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, Careen Turner develops innovative fundraising strategies and communication plans designed to strategically enhance the organization’s visibility throughout the greater Savannah area. Turner is responsible for grant writing and proposal development, fundraising, print and digital communications and social media management. Prior to joining the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, she served as an Associate Success Ambassador for Goodwill Southeast Georgia and as a Student Success Advisor for the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Earlier in her career, she worked as the Associate Director of Admission and Doctor of Physical Therapy Admission Coordinator for Hanover College and as a Community Health Educator for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. Originally from Owensboro, Ky., Turner earned an M.S. in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University and a B.A. in Communication from Hanover College.  

SHAWNTAY GADSON, MBA/MHA, IBCLC, Director of Health Promotion and Equity - Shawntay Gadson is an experienced healthcare professional who recently joined the Forsyth Farmers’ Market as the Director of Health Promotion and Equity. In her new position, Gadson focuses on preventative, proactive public health and creating a healthier, more equitable local food system in Savannah. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a member of the board of directors for the Georgia Breastfeeding Coalition, Gadson brings more than seven years of experience as a Lactation Consultant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she provides support to new mothers, develop evidence-based feeding programs, educates patients on the benefits of breastfeeding and serves as a clinical resource for physicians and nurses. Originally from Port Gibson, Miss., Gadson earned a Master of Business Administration and Master of Healthcare Administration (MBA/MHA) from South University and a B.A. in English Literature from Alcorn State University. 

GINA CAPERS-WILLIS, Health Promotion Manager - Private chef and content creator Gina Capers-Willis serves as the new Health Promotion Manager for the Forsyth Farmers’ Market, overseeing community outreach initiatives focused on educating Savannah residents about the fact that healthy eating can be easy, fun and affordable. Known for her distinct fusion of Gullah and Cuban cuisine, Capers-Willis has been featured on the pages of Bon Appetit, Essence and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine and appeared on the Magnolia Network and a Daytime EMMY-nominated Food Network series. Dedicated to giving back to the community, she founded The Gullah Heritage Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides culinary training and workforce development throughout the Lowcountry, and is the founder of “What’s Gina Cooking.” She also serves on the board of directors for the Emmaus House in Savannah, Ga. A Savannah native, Capers-Willis attended Savannah State University and Texas Southern University.  

“We’re thrilled to welcome these talented professionals to our team,” said Forsyth Farmers’ Market’s Executive Director Dr. Deidre Grim. “Careen, Shawntay and Gina bring incredible experience and valuable skills that will help the Forsyth Farmers’ Market expand our community-based programs as well as our commitment to education, food access and strategic partnerships.”