Who We Are

East Savannah United is more than an initiative—it’s a movement powered by residents, guided by equity, and built on the belief that transformation should uplift, not displace

We are a collaborative coalition of neighbors, nonprofit leaders, public agencies, developers, and advocates working hand-in-hand to reimagine what is possible for East Savannah. Our mission is simple but bold: to ensure the revitalization of East Savannah benefits those who have always called it home. 

For decades, systemic disinvestment, environmental injustice, and neglect of infrastructure have shaped the challenges this neighborhood faces. But East Savannah is also defined by its strength—families rooted in community, pride in legacy, and a desire to see generational change. 

We are here to support that change from the inside out. 

Our Approach

East Savannah United was formed to interrupt a cycle of development that too often happens to communities rather than with them. We believe transformation should be transparent, inclusive, and accountable to the people who live here. That’s why our approach prioritizes:

• Resident engagement and leadership
• Equity-focused housing and economic strategies
• Cross-sector collaboration among nonprofits, the city, and developers
• Long-term sustainability, not short-term fixes

We don’t bring a plan and expect residents to follow. Instead, we co-create a vision with the people who know this neighborhood best—its neighbors, elders, youth, and longtime business owners. ​

A Unified Model for
​Change 

East Savannah United operates as a neighborhood-centered model for equitable development—one that actively aligns public, private, and community partners around shared goals. Our collaborative framework includes:​

• Housing Advocates committed to preservation, affordability, and homeownership
  
• Economic Development Partners providing workforce training, small business support, and financial education
  
• Public Institutions including the City of Savannah, committed to infrastructure, services, and strategic investment
  
• Community Organizations & Residents driving neighborhood planning, trust-building, and accountability
  

By aligning diverse stakeholders and holding equity as the north star, we aim to create the kind of change that lasts—and that reflects the hopes of those who’ve been waiting for it.

Meet Our Team

Meet the people working hand-in-hand with residents to build a stronger,
more equitable East Savannah—one block at a time.

executive director - derek mallow

[Working to improve lives]

Derek Mallow is a dedicated public servant and community leader currently representing Georgia's Senate District 2.

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Derek's early experiences shaped his commitment to service and mentorship. He has a strong educational background, holding a B.S. in Leadership and Ministry from Asbury University and an M.P.A. from Savannah State University.

​Derek serves as the Executive Director of East Savannah United, where he spearheads comprehensive neighborhood revitalization initiatives. His passion for improving the lives of residents and his extensive experience in community development make him a vital advocate for the people of East Savannah.

Board of Directors

Advisory Council Members

• Chairman, Jeff Kole, President of Kole Investment Company
• ​Vice-Chairman, Terry Enoch, Chief of Police for Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
• Treasurer, Michael Traynor, CEO of Savannah’s Union Mission Inc.
• Secretary, Mario Hilliard, Vice President of Cadence Bank
• Board Attorney, Jen Davenport, Vice President of Community Affairs & In House Counsel at Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
• Evette Hester, Executive Director of Housing Authority of Savannah
• Salathiel DeLoach, President/CEO of DeLoach Lupus Foundation & Community Resident
• Tara Jennings, Director of Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs Strategic Planning of Chatham County
• ​Alicia Johnson, Executive Director of Step-Up Savannah

• Paula Kreissler, Director of Healthy Living and Community Development of Healthy Savannah Inc.
• ​Sam McCachern, President & CEO of Thomas & Hutton
• Jeff O'Connor, Senior Vice President of Strategic Commercial Real Estate Finance for First Citizens Bank
• Mark Smith, CEO of Water Management Utility
• Yolandra Shipp,  President & CCEO of Shypp Consulting
• Veronica Styron, Vice President of Mission Services for Goodwill SEGA

• Reed Dulany, Dulany Industries
• Bill Hubbard, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
• Don Waters, Water Capital Partners

Join US

Whether you’re a neighbor, a local leader, a supporter, or a future partner, we invite you to be
part of this work. The transformation of East Savannah is happening now—and together, we can
ensure it’s rooted in dignity, equity, and shared prosperity.
We are East Savannah United. And we believe in building together.

Connect With ESU

Connect with us at East Savannah United! We’re eager to hear from you and explore how we
can work together to foster community growth and development. Whether you have
questions, suggestions, or simply want to share your thoughts, please reach out using the
​ form below, and let’s start the conversation!