Following a national recruitment search, the City of Savannah has hired Jason Pagliaro to lead the Office of Special Events, Film and Tourism (SEFT).

Pagliaro previously served the Savannah community for nearly 20 years as a police officer with the Savannah Police Department.

As the sergeant in charge of the Homeland Security Office, Pagliaro led the department’s special event and emergency management operations for nearly 13 years. He played a key role in planning and managing the City’s largest and most complex events, including major festivals, parades, and citywide celebrations.

Pagliaro also oversaw the Dignitary Protection Unit, managing security for high-profile guests and public officials. For six years, he served as chief pilot of the department’s drone unit, supporting public safety operations through aerial surveillance and real-time situational awareness.

Pagliaro was scheduled to retire from SPD this summer but chose to continue serving Savannah in this new role. He will oversee all aspects of event permitting and coordination, film industry facilitation, and tourism initiatives for the City of Savannah.