Savannah Book Festival Announces New Board President & New Board of Directors (SAVANNAH, GA)

      

By Mickie McNamara

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 7, 2025 Savannah Book Festival Announces New Board President & New Board of Directors (SAVANNAH, GA) The Savannah Book Festival (SBF) announces new members of the Board of Directors. Virginia Brown, Tucker Compton, Bev Dalrymple, Dawn French, Sherry Jacobson, and Erick Opsahl have joined the SBF Board of Directors. The new board members join Kristin Prentiss Ott, Board President; Bradd Siegel, Secretary; Ivy Council Vice- President; Matt Smith, Treasurer, and Bob Zerbe, past-President, for the 2025-2027 year. The Savannah Book Festival (SBF) also announces newly appointed Board President Kristin Prentiss Ott. Kristin joined the Board in 2021. She has served on the Executive Committee and Chair of the Author Selection Committee for three years. The new board members will join returning members Cecilia Arango, Ivy Council, Matt Graham, Robert Griffith, Betsy Lancaster, Jacqueline Mason, Caroline “Caro” Powell, Chairperson Emeritus, Jack Romanos, Matt Smith, Dan Suwyn and Lisa Yount. Virgina Brown is a retired executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, resource development, and community engagement. Her career has been defined by a strong commitment to fostering sustainable growth through strategic partnerships and mission-driven service. She was previously President and CEO of United Way of Coastal Georgia. Prior roles include Executive Director of Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity and Manager of Grant Development at SCAD. Tucker Compton is a Client Advisor at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard. Tucker received a BBA in Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Georgia. He holds professional designations including CPCU and AIC and is involved in the Independent Insurance Agents of Georgia. Tucker is actively involved in community organizations, running an annual charity event for Make-A-Wish Southeast Georgia, serving on the Savannah Country Day School Board of Alumni, and coaching middle school soccer for Hancock Day School. Bev Dalrymple is a retired higher education leader and active community volunteer. She received a doctorate in Education from Florida International University and is an alumna of The College of New Rochelle. Bev has volunteered with the Savannah Book Festival for several years including as the former chair of the Volunteer Committee. Dawn French is a retired senior executive with 37 years of global leadership experience in research and development at Procter & Gamble. Dawn has deep experience in consumer insights, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making. Dawn received a degree in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. Based in the Ford River and Field Community, she serves as Treasurer of the Georgia Native Plant Society (Maritime Chapter) and volunteers with the Neighborhood Improvement Association, preparing taxes for low-income families. Sherry Jacobson is an accomplished marketing and communications executive with a distinguished career spanning over 25 years. Beyond her corporate achievements, Sherry is deeply committed to nonprofit and community engagement. Sherry received a BA in Psychology from Hofstra University and pursued graduate studies in experimental psychology at The New School in New York City. Erick Opsahl is a retired General Counsel with broad experience in corporate law and business operations. He received a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago, a J.D. from the University of Virginia, and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Erick has served on the boards of the Iowa Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Northwest Iowa Chamber of Commerce and has been active in youth sports and church leadership. He and his wife, Kim relocated full-time to the Ford River and Field Community in 2013. Outgoing Board President Bob Zerbe, "As we look ahead to an exciting new chapter for the Savannah Book Festival, I am confident in the leadership and vision of our incoming board members. We are honored to welcome these dynamic community leaders to the Board. I know they will play a key role in shaping the future of this cherished event." The Savannah Book Festival returns February 5 – 8, 2026, marking its 19th year as one of the nation’s premier invitation-only literary celebrations. Over four unforgettable days, the Festival will host a dynamic lineup of bestselling favorites and rising literary stars. The centerpiece of the weekend, Festival Saturday on February 7, is free and open to all. We invite all readers to enjoy author talks and book signings in stunning venues throughout vibrant, historic downtown Savannah. The Savannah Book Festival is an independent, non-profit corporation committed to encouraging literacy and the love of books. For more information, please contact Assistant Director Mickie McNamara at (912) 598-4040, email info@savannahbookfestival.org or visit http://www.savannahbookfestival.org