Visit Savannah’s Chief Sales Officer Jeff Hewitt Announces Official Retirement
SAVANNAH, GA – July 30, 2025 – Visit Savannah announces the upcoming retirement of its Chief Sales Officer, Jeff Hewitt, effective December 31, 2025. With more than four decades of distinguished service in the tourism and hospitality industry—and 15 of those years dedicated to Visit Savannah—Hewitt’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Savannah's destination marketing history.
Since joining Visit Savannah in 2010, Hewitt has played an instrumental role in elevating Savannah’s reputation as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and group travel. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its national and international sales reach, built lasting relationships with industry partners, and helped usher in transformative projects—most notably the development and opening of the Savannah Convention Center’s major expansion, which has strengthened Savannah's position in the competitive meetings and conventions landscape.
“After 40 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, I look back with tremendous gratitude to the people who believed in me and allowed me to try new and innovative things,” Hewitt said. “I have been fortunate to work with a talented and passionate team that has accomplished great things, and I will leave knowing that Savannah’s future is secure in their hands. I appreciate the support my family has provided over the years—and their understanding when I missed the occasional birthday. But most of all, I will cherish the lifelong friendships that have come through from the amazing journeys this industry has provided. I look forward to the next chapter, and all the people and places that will be part of that story.
During his tenure with Visit Savannah, Hewitt and his team have made a profound impact on the city’s hospitality industry. Under his leadership, room night production grew from 80,000 in 2010 to over 315,000 in 2024. Additionally, Savannah experienced a doubling of its total hotel room inventory, alongside the convention center’s expansion, which also doubled in size during this period.
“Jeff’s impact on Savannah’s success as a meetings and tourism destination cannot be overstated,” said Joseph Marinelli, President & CEO of Visit Savannah. “His deep industry knowledge, relationship development, and passion for this city has helped shape not only how the world sees Savannah—but also how we tell our story. While we will certainly miss his leadership, we are extremely grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.”
Hewitt’s leadership and advocacy have also been felt through active roles with national industry associations including ASAE, PCMA, and Destinations International. He has served as a board member of the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, and as a reviewer for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs committee. Hewitt is presently the chairman of the Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (GACVB).
Kellie Linder of Visit Savannah has been named Vice President of Sales and Services. Beginning in January 2026, Kellie will lead Visit Savannah’s sales team.
Visit Savannah and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce extend their deepest appreciation to Jeff Hewitt for his many years of leadership and service. We wish him all the best with his well-earned retirement.
About Visit Savannah
Visit Savannah serves as the official destination marketing organization for the Savannah / Chatham County area, and is committed to driving increased visitor spending, economic vitality, and quality of life for the region, while continually building upon Savannah's image as a world-class destination. For more information, visit www.visitsavannah.com
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