Savannah Hughes
Executive Director, Terrell County Chamber of Commerce
Georgia Southwestern State University MBA ‘18
Dawson, GA
As the first to graduate from college in her family, Savannah and her parents knew it was important for her to go to college. Upon receiving HOPE, Savannah’s father agreed to pay for the remaining cost if she kept HOPE. “After realizing college was exactly where I needed to be, I made sure I kept my grades up to stay. This was a domino effect. Since I had to keep my grades up, I was trained in time management while juggling attending classes, homework and studying alongside a social life. I truly believe this is what has made me so successful. Not entirely the subject matter learned that I may have forgotten, but the skills of being a reliable, efficient employee.”
Savannah dreamed of attending Florida State University. However, with her parents helping her go to college if she stayed in Georgia and had the HOPE scholarship, the decision was made to stay in state. “If I chose the FSU route, the loans would be my burden to bear and I would have to work alongside taking classes to make ends meet. It was a clear choice. I would not change that decision.”
Originally, Savannah was interested in pursuing a career in hospitality management. Upon graduation and moving back to her rural hometown, her first job was as a Front of House restaurant manager. She was then presented with an opportunity to work as a Special Events Manager for the Albany Museum of Art. She now serves as the Executive Director for the Terrell County Chamber of Commerce. “I did not see myself being in Economic Development. In fact, I knew little of what a chamber does. However, because of my education and experience I have been able to adapt and enjoy this career. Economic Development and the chamber of commerce industry is extremely unique, and I have found so much satisfaction in being a vital part of community development.”