July 26, 2025

Savannah News Roundup: New Appointments and Achievements

News Summary

Savannah is witnessing significant changes as new appointments are made across various organizations. Key highlights include the hiring of Zach Vieth as HR Coordinator at Thomas & Hutton, Barbara Davis as Education Coordinator for Tharros Place, Caleb Poppell’s achievement of Advanced Sommelier Certification, and Taffanye Young’s appointment as Assistant City Manager. These individuals bring valuable experience and commitment to their new roles, supporting Savannah’s initiatives for community improvement.

Savannah News Roundup: New Appointments and Achievements in Local Organizations

Savannah continues to see significant changes within its organizations as several notable appointments and achievements have been announced. Key highlights include the hiring of Zach Vieth as HR Coordinator at Thomas & Hutton, the appointment of Barbara Davis as Education Coordinator for Tharros Place, the Advanced Sommelier Certification obtained by Caleb Poppell, and Taffanye Young stepping in as Assistant City Manager.

Zach Vieth Joins Thomas & Hutton

Zach Vieth has been hired as the HR Coordinator at Thomas & Hutton’s Savannah office. In his new role, Vieth will provide administrative assistance and ensure a positive experience for both clients and employees. He graduated from Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management, specializing in Human Resources. Previously, he interned with Thomas & Hutton, where he assisted the HR department during the summer of 2024, gaining valuable insight into the company’s operations and culture.

Barbara Davis at Tharros Place

Barbara Davis has been appointed the new Education Coordinator for Tharros Place, a nonprofit that supports girls aged 12 to 17 who are survivors of human trafficking. In her position, Davis will develop culturally responsive instructional programs and assess the learning and behavioral needs of students. With over 30 years of experience in juvenile justice, Davis has held positions ranging from probation officer to executive leadership. Her involvement with organizations like Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. shows her commitment to advocating for youth and adults. Furthermore, she recently participated as a panelist for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, focusing on trauma and healing. Davis holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Savannah State College and a master’s in education from Cambridge College.

Caleb Poppell Achieves Sommelier Certification

Caleb Poppell has earned his Advanced Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas on his first attempt. The certification process involves a demanding three-part exam that tests theory, practical skills, and includes a timed six-wine blind tasting. Remarkably, Poppell has passed all previous certification levels on his first try, featuring a perfect score on the Introductory Sommelier Exam. As one of only approximately 900 Advanced Sommeliers worldwide, he aspires to achieve the Master Sommelier diploma next, solidifying his expertise in the field. His determination and commitment have been recognized by Jamie Durrence, Managing Partner of Daniel Reed Hospitality.

Taffanye Young Appointed Assistant City Manager

Taffanye Young has been appointed as Assistant City Manager for Savannah following the adoption of the Savannah GPS Strategic Plan. In her role, Young will oversee the implementation and measurement of this strategic plan, ensuring that City Council priorities are supported effectively. Her responsibilities will include guiding city staff, promoting accountability, and enhancing the quality of public service. With 30 years of experience in public service, Young has previously served as Chief Community Services and was part of the executive leadership team, where she focused on expanding affordable housing, enhancing recreational services, and supporting the unhoused population.

Context of Recent Changes

The recent changes in Savannah’s organizations reflect a growing commitment to improving community services, education, and public administration. With skilled professionals like Vieth, Davis, Poppell, and Young taking on key roles, the city’s initiatives appear to be well-supported by talent dedicated to making a difference. As Savannah develops, these appointments and achievements signal a positive direction for future community-focused initiatives.

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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER

SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

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