Savannah Tech Foundation Appoints New Trustees & Announces Leadership to Power Student Scholarships & Capital Projects

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Monday, September 22nd, 2025

The Savannah Technical College Foundation Board of Trustees proudly welcomes four distinguished new members and announces its Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Committee leadership, all dedicated to advancing the College’s mission through private investment and community engagement. 

As a private, nonprofit entity, the Foundation works independently to raise funds that supplement the college’s state budget, while the college’s Board of Directors advises on academic and administrative policy. 

The Foundation’s new members bring a wealth of diverse leadership and expertise: 

Brad Brookshire, Chief Executive Officer of Great Oaks Bank, brings significant financial and community banking leadership, which will be vital to the Foundation’s fiscal strategies and regional outreach.

Jennifer Abshire, Founder and CEO of AbshirePR, is a strategic communications expert whose counsel will be invaluable to the Foundation’s outreach efforts. 

Jason Marshall, President & CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia, brings a proven track record of operational excellence and a deep commitment to community workforce development. 

Matt Dowling, Executive Vice President of The Pinyan Company, offers extensive industry insight that will strengthen the Foundation’s strategic investments in the trades and construction fields. 

Tiffany Altman, Communications Coordinator for the Effingham County Board of Education and Publisher/Owner of EnjoySavannah, whose deep ties to the local community and expertise in communications will enhance the Foundation’s ability to share its mission and secure support. 

David Burkoff (HunterMaclean) will continue his role as Chairman for a second year. Joining him on the FY2025 leadership team are Jesse Dillon (Savannah Economic Development Authority) as Vice Chair, Taylor Mongin (Holland, Bromley, Barnhill & Brett, LLP) as Treasurer, and Kay Ford (Retired, Former Chief Banking Officer for BankSouth) as Past-Chair. Matt Dowling (The Pinyan Company) and Stacy Watson (Georgia Ports Authority) will serve as At Large members. 

“The Savannah Technical College Foundation is a vital resource for our community, and the collective expertise of our new members and executive leaders will propel our mission forward,” said Chairman David Burkoff. “This group is committed to investing in our students and our college, knowing that every scholarship and every dollar for a new facility is a direct investment in the future of Coastal Georgia’s workforce.” 

The Savannah Technical College Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing board members Bertice Berry, Lisa Colbert, and Patrick Connell for their exceptional service. Their dedication has been instrumental in securing vital resources, helping to fund scholarships and educational programs that directly enhance student success and strengthen the region’s economy. 

Since its establishment in 1984, the Savannah Technical College Foundation has been a cornerstone of local workforce development across Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties. Annually, the Foundation awards approximately $250,000 in scholarships, which are critical in bridging the opportunity gap for students. Through dynamic fundraising and community events, the Foundation provides essential support for state-of-the-art facilities and innovative programs, ensuring Savannah Technical College remains a premier institution for technical education in the region. 

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for high-demand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.