Brynn Grant, President & CEO
Brynn is a champion at strategizing growth and development of the region bringing almost 30 years of experience to the organization. Grant led the startup of World Trade Center Savannah where she previously served as Vice President. She also served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA). In that role, Grant worked to make the Savannah region as competitive as possible in the effort to create, grow and attract business, and create jobs. Prior to and in between tenures at SEDA, Grant served as Vice President of Communications for EM Services, Inc., Marketing and Development Director for the Savannah Music Festival, and Director of Development and Executive Director of the Savannah Technical College Foundation. Grant is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. She is also a graduate of Leadership Savannah, Leadership Southeast Georgia, and Leadership Georgia.
She and her husband Tim Feathers have five children
Mandy Parsons, Chief Financial Officer
A focused, passionate, and strategic leader, Mandy brings forth 20 years of professional experience transforming organizations, making them more suitable for growth and advancement. She intuitively sees the opportunities hidden within an organization, brings them to the forefront aligning them with the company’s goals and its mission. She works to embrace others in efforts of extending their thinking, developing skillsets, and recognizing and promoting self-accomplishments.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Administration from Alice Lloyd College, Mandy has successfully worked toward obtaining graduate degrees in both Business Administration and Public Administration. She spends her time volunteering for various organizations and relaxing with her family. She can often be found reading a new book, talking a walk on the beach and vacationing to new places.
Lisa Clark, Vice President of Marketing
Lisa has more than 20 years of experience working for nonprofit organizations. In her current capacity, she leads the marketing and communications efforts of United Way, which most recently raised $8.4 million to improve the lives of others. She oversees brand, special events, creative development, and media relations and is passionate in innovating new ways that drive engagement among donors, volunteers, and corporate partners in communities across the Coastal Empire.
She earned a bachelor of science in Communication Arts and later, a master of business administration, both from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia.
She enjoys traveling and eating her way around the world, dancing the tango till the wee hours, and exploring shrines and temples.
Jennifer Darsey, Vice President of Direct services & impact
Jennifer brings extensive experience in program development, direct services, case management, data systems and leading community impact initiatives. Jennifer was previously the Liberty County Area Director for 10 years and was responsible for aiding in the development of the Coordinated Entry Program, Homeless Management Information System and Continuum of Care, leading the Landings Military Family Relief Fund aiding active duty members, and for the first ever Backpack Buddy program to be permitted on a United States military installation.
She and her husband of 24 years, Pastor Alan Darsey, together have two incredible daughters, McKaylin, who is in graduate school at Emory University and Lily, who attends Georgia Southern University.
Jennifer Messner, Vice President of Community Investments
Jennifer has a passion for grants management and nonprofit capacity building, having served nonprofit organizations in many roles throughout her career, including agency relations, communications, donor relations and grant writing. Jennifer attended Mount Holyoke College and holds a Masters in Human Services Administration from Antioch New England Graduate School.
Kim Tanner, Vice President of Resource Development
Kim’s career in service began during an 11 month term with AmeriCorps. In her tenure with United Way of the Coastal Empire Kim has worked as director of the volunteer center, senior director of development & engagement, and now vice president of resource development where she leads the organization’s fundraising efforts. Kim is a graduate of Leadership Savannah, holds her international certification in volunteer administration, and served as president of the Georgia Association for Volunteer Administration.
Personally, Kim fulfills her love for changing seasons with frequent trips to the mountains with her husband, David, and their two boys Everett (5) and Wendell (1 ½).
