NEWS

Last week, the Visit Savannah team gathered with board members, industry partners, and Jeff Hewitt’s family and friends for a heartfelt reception at Arco Cafe & Lounge to celebrate his retirement and reflect on a career defined by leadership, integrity, and lasting impact.

Throughout the evening, speakers shared fond memories and expressed deep appreciation for the professionalism, steady guidance, and vision Jeff brought to the business of meetings and conventions in Savannah.

In his remarks, Visit Savannah President and CEO Joseph Marinelli thanked Jeff for 16 years of unwavering loyalty, institutional wisdom, and steady leadership, noting that Jeff’s guidance helped shape Visit Savannah’s culture, strengthen its partnerships, and elevate Savannah’s reputation as a top-tier meetings destination. He emphasized that Jeff’s influence will endure not only through the results he achieved but through the people he mentored and the legacy of excellence he leaves behind.

During Jeff’s tenure as the organization’s Chief Sales Officer, room night production grew from 80,000 in 2010 to more than 315,000 in 2024. Savannah’s total hotel room inventory doubled during this period, mirroring the expansion of the Savannah Convention Center and reinforcing the city’s capacity to attract large-scale meetings and events.

Visit Savannah and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce extend their sincere thanks to Jeff Hewitt for his many years of leadership and service. His legacy is woven into Savannah’s success—and his impact will be felt for years to come.