Holly Whitfield has been named executive director of the Deep Center, a Savannah youth arts and leadership nonprofit that creates platforms for the city’s youth and their families to share stories, engage in debates and make Savannah a more just and equitable place.
Whitfield began her career as an elementary school teacher and has served in nonprofit leadership positions in organizations that support health, wellness, and empowerment for youth, seniors, BIPOC communities and the LGBTQIA+ community, according to the center. She is a long-time member and board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina and has also served as a board member of the ACLU in North Carolina and Shepherd Centers of America.
Whitfield earned a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology from Keiser University where she investigated the intersection of race, gender, age and non-profit organizational culture with belongingness/retention and workplace feedback.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. Whitfield’s caliber” Deep Center board chair Chris Middleton said in a written statement. “Her professional experience spans non-profits, academia, and business organizations, and her passion for organizational diversity, equity, inclusion, and access is in direct alignment with Deep Center’s philosophy.”
