Senior Citizens Inc. (SCI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Johnathon Scott Barrett as its Chief Development Officer, bringing decades of nonprofit leadership, fundraising expertise, and deep ties to Georgia’s philanthropic community to the organization’s senior leadership team.

A Georgia native with family roots in the state spanning seven generations, Barrett returns to Savannah — a city he considers home — to help advance SCI’s mission of helping people age successfully. In his new role, Barrett will lead the organization’s development strategy, overseeing fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic partnerships that support SCI’s wide range of services for older adults across Coastal Georgia.

Barrett brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management and development. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Most recently, he served as Director of Development for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia, and previously as Executive Director of the Georgia 4-H Foundation. Earlier in his career, Barrett spent 14 years as Vice President of Statewide Operations for Junior Achievement of Georgia, building partnerships across education, business, and community organizations throughout the state.

“Johnathon brings a rare combination of strategic insight, fundraising excellence, and genuine passion for community service,” said Patti Lyons, President of Senior Citizens Inc. “He understands the profound impact Senior Citizens Inc. has — from delivering nearly 1,800 meals a day to providing innovative programs like The Learning Center and the Ruth Byck Adult Day Care Center. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our impact and strengthen our connection to the community.”

Barrett is also widely respected as a civic leader and volunteer. He has served on the boards of organizations including The Georgia Historical Society, The Rotary Club of Savannah, and The Savannah Book Festival. He is a graduate of Leadership Georgia (Class of 2008), was named a Savannah Top 40 Under 40 honoree, and received the One Small Voice Award for his advocacy on behalf of children.

“As I approached 62, I decided to retire and return back to Savannah, the city I consider home.  The ink was hardly dry on my retirement papers, though, when I was approached by Patti Lyons to become a part of the leadership team at Senior Citizens, Inc.,” Barrett said.  “This outstanding nonprofit has been near and dear to my heart for decades.  The organization’s impact – from the scale of its Meals on Wheels program to the depth of its service – is truly extraordinary. The result was that my retirement was short-lived! And I’m now incredibly proud to join this team and help advance a mission that improves the lives of thousands of people across our community each year.

Outside of his professional work, Barrett is an avid fisherman, cook, gardener, and writer. He is the author of four books, including the food memoir Rise & Shine!, culinary anthologies Cook & Tell and Cook & Celebrate (published by Mercer University Press), and most recently, the novel Ship Watch, released in 2023.

Barrett officially joined Senior Citizens Inc. on January  5, 2026.