Two employees from Bank of America Savannah have recently been awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), one of the nation’s most prestigious honors recognizing commitment to community service.

Recipients James Hartley and Scott Howard have been honored for their outstanding dedication to public service across a variety of causes in the Savannah area and beyond.

Each honoree met or exceeded the rigorous volunteer service requirements set by the national program, which was created in 2003 through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award distinguishes Americans who demonstrate sustained and impactful involvement in their communities. 

“This is more than a volunteer milestone — it’s a national recognition of character, commitment, and leadership,” said Patrick O’Neil, president, Bank of America Savannah. “Both of these individuals are stellar, engaged, and have a heart for our community.”

Local Faces Making a National Impact

• James Hartley (financial center manager, Bank of America Brunswick) has accumulated over 200 hours of volunteer service, averaging nearly 50 hours per year. He dedicates his time to working with low- to moderate-income populations through organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Star of Coastal GA Foundation (which supports senior citizens), and Second Harvest, where he regularly helps pack meals and organize food drives. He also coordinates blood drives every two months and serves as a mentor to high school junior and senior boys at The Chapel, using sports and shared interests to connect and guide them. “The individuals I work with genuinely enjoy learning — and I enjoy walking alongside them,” Hartley said.

• Scott Howard (managing director, wealth management advisor, Merrill Savannah) has devoted much of his volunteer time this past year to Scouting America by leading weekly meetings, summer camps and planning their trips. In addition to scouting, he has volunteered with Second Harvest for bank-sponsored events and coordinated team events with PACK (People of Action Caring for Kids), an organization that provides food and clothing for local children in need. He has served on multiple nonprofit boards and credits his passion for service to a family tradition of community involvement.

  “It’s important to be part of an organization that makes space for us to give back to a community that gives so much to us. The balance the company promotes between work and service is something I truly value,” Howard said.

The PVSA is issued in multiple levels (bronze, silver, gold, and lifetime achievement) depending on the number of verified service hours. Each honoree receives a certificate, a medallion or pin, and a letter signed by the President of the United States. 

While thousands of people volunteer each year, only a small fraction receive this federal-level recognition. It requires not just passion but persistence — and verified hours logged through an official certifying organization.

According to the PVSA program, the award seeks to “honor individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action.” 

Bank of America encourages employees to engage in community service and offers flexible scheduling and support for volunteering by offering paid time off to volunteer, grants up to $1,000 for organizations where employees volunteer, and a yearly celebration of employees who make a difference.

Over the past five years, Bank of America Savannah employees have contributed more than 15,000 hours of community service to local causes.