About
Anna Chafin
President & CEO
As President & CEO, Anna’s role is to oversee the implementation of the workforce study, work closely with the eight economic development authorities and ensure RISE’s initiatives are helping meet employer’s needs.
Anna previously served as CEO for the Development Authority of Bryan County. She has more than 20 years of economic development experience.
Anna can be reached at
achafin@risesavannah.com
912.447.8450
Justin Farquhar
Vice President
Justin leads several RISE’s initiatives that were recommended by the workforce study: higher education, childcare, military and housing.
Before joining RISE, Justin was Senior Vice President of the Development Authority of Bryan County (DABC). He joined DABC in 2016 as a Project Manager.
Justin can be reached at
jfraquhar@risesavannah.com
912.447.9714
Maria Whitfield
Director of Employer Engagement
Since 2023, Maria has been a vital part of the workforce strategy including working directly with companies to help them meet their workforce needs. She also manages Employer Forums and Industry Insiders programs.
Maria has more than 20 years of human resources experience with companies in the region.
Maria can be reached at
mwhitfield@risesavannah.com
912.675.9539
Jennifer Collins
Program Manager
Jennifer is responsible for driving forward the K12 education, underrepresented and transportation initiatives.
Previously, Jennifer worked for the Savannah Economic Development Authority as a project manager, helping companies relocate as well as managing the property database. Additionally, she 14 years of banking experience.
Jennifer can be reached at
jcollins@risesavannah.com
912.675.8141
Anna Chafin
President & CEO
As President & CEO, Anna’s role is to oversee the implementation of the workforce study, work closely with the eight economic development authorities and ensure RISE’s initiatives are helping meet employer’s needs.
Anna previously served as CEO for the Development Authority of Bryan County. She has more than 20 years of economic development experience.
Anna can be reached at
achafin@risesavannah.com
912.447.8450
LinkedIn
Justin Farquhar
Vice President
Justin leads several RISE’s initiatives that were recommended by the workforce study: higher education, childcare, military and housing.
Before joining RISE, Justin was Senior Vice President of the Development Authority of Bryan County (DABC). He joined DABC in 2016 as a Project Manager.
Justin can be reached at
jfraquhar@risesavannah.com
912.447.9714
LinkedIn
Maria Whitfield
Director of Employer Engagement
Since 2023, Maria has been a vital part of the workforce strategy including working directly with companies to help them meet their workforce needs. She also manages Employer Forums and Industry Insiders programs.
Maria has more than 20 years of human resources experience with companies in the region.
Maria can be reached at
mwhitfield@risesavannah.com
912.675.9539
LinkedIn
Firstname Lastname
Program Manager
Jennifer is responsible for driving forward the K12 education, underrepresented and transportation initiatives.
Previously, Jennifer worked for the Savannah Economic Development Authority as a project manager, helping companies relocate as well as managing the property database. Additionally, she 14 years of banking experience.
Jennifer can be reached at
jcollins@risesavannah.com
912.675.8141
LinkedIn