News Summary
Collier Neeley has been appointed as the new President and CEO of the Historic Savannah Foundation, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Neeley, with experience in heritage preservation, will lead various initiatives to preserve Savannah’s historical sites, including the Davenport House Museum and others. His leadership is seen as vital for enhancing community engagement and managing threats to historically significant properties in Savannah, especially those linked to African American history.
Savannah – Collier Neeley has been appointed the new President and CEO of the Historic Savannah Foundation (HSF), as announced on August 27, 2025. This leadership change occurs during a significant milestone for HSF, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary and is recognized as Savannah’s leading preservation organization. In his new role, Neeley will be responsible for managing the organization’s strategy, advocacy efforts, fundraising initiatives, community outreach, membership expansion, and budgeting activities.
Neeley brings a wealth of experience to this position, having previously served as the Executive Director of the Landmarks Foundation of Montgomery, Alabama, where he managed a staff of ten and led several successful fundraising campaigns. His proven track record of advocacy and community partnership development has positioned him well for this critical role. He will oversee a team of nine professionals at HSF and will be responsible for operations at several historic sites within Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District, including the Davenport House Museum, the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy, the Sheftall Building, and the Murray C. Perlman & Wayne C. Spear Preservation Center.
Austin Hill, the Chair of the HSF Board, expressed confidence in Neeley’s capability to deepen the organization’s mission and engagement during this important anniversary year. This leadership appointment is seen as crucial for revitalizing HSF’s efforts to preserve Savannah’s rich historical legacy.
Neeley has a strong background in heritage preservation, earning an M.A. in Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University and a B.A. in History from The University of Mississippi – Oxford. His previous roles included serving as the National Register and Easements Coordinator for the Alabama Historical Commission. He recently relocated from Montgomery to Savannah, where he will now focus his expertise on local preservation efforts.
In addition to his responsibilities at HSF, Neeley will be addressing critical issues regarding properties of historical significance in Savannah. Notably, the Collier-Toomer House and Nicholsonboro Baptist Church were recently listed on the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Places in Peril list. The Collier-Toomer House, constructed in 1938, is recognized for its association with Janie R. Toomer, Savannah’s first African American female real estate broker. It served as a hub for social and educational activities but now faces potential demolition due to zoning concerns.
The Nicholsonboro Baptist Church, established in 1850, holds significant historical importance as it relates to a community formed by freed slaves. However, the church is struggling with maintenance challenges because of its small congregation size. These properties underscore the ongoing challenges of preserving sites that represent the local heritage, especially those tied to Savannah’s African American history.
To address these challenges, the Historic Savannah Foundation has recently launched an endangered places program aimed at raising awareness regarding historical properties that are at risk. The inaugural Savannah Endangered Places List highlights neglected sites or those threatened with demolition, including the Roche Walker House, notable for its historical Victorian architecture. Properties must be at least 50 years old and possess local architectural, cultural, or historical significance to qualify for the Endangered Places list, as well as demonstrate community support for their preservation.
The appointment of Collier Neeley as President and CEO of HSF marks a pivotal point in preserving Savannah’s historical identity. His extensive background in advocacy and passion for heritage preservation will play a vital role as the foundation seeks to navigate the challenges ahead while celebrating its longstanding commitment to historic preservation.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Collier Neeley Joins Historic Savannah Foundation
- Wikipedia: Historic Preservation
- Savannah Now: Savannah Properties Make Georgia Trust’s List of Threatened Places
- Google Search: Savannah properties threatened places
- WTOC: Two Savannah Buildings Receive Statewide Awards
- Google Scholar: Savannah historic district
- WJCL: Historic Savannah Foundation Releases First-Ever Endangered Places List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Historic Preservation
- Savannah Now: President of Savannah Preservation Nonprofit to Step Down in June
- Google News: historic Savannah nonprofit
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.
