Celebration of Health and Leadership in Savannah
Savannah was buzzing with excitement on the evening of November 3, as the community came together to celebrate the retirement of Paula Kreissler, the beloved Executive Director of Healthy Savannah. Known for her unmatched passion for health and wellness, Kreissler’s retirement was far from ordinary. Instead of the usual somber farewells, this gathering felt more like a celebration of life, health, and the impressive legacy she leaves behind.
Big Shoes to Fill!
As Kreissler stood before the crowd at the Charles Morris Center, her vibrant orange and purple polka-dotted sneakers caught everyone’s eye. These were no regular shoes; they were designed exclusively for Kreissler by Diana Morrison, Founder and President of AD Specialty. It was not just a cheeky gesture but a symbolic representation of the significant impact Kreissler has made during her time within the organization. Terry Enoch, the emcee for the event, likened her sneakers to “big shoes to fill,” but Kreissler took it one step further—literally! She proudly unveiled a matching pair of sneakers meant for her successor, Armand Turner.
Healthier Savannah Initiative
Kreissler’s journey in promoting a healthier Savannah took off in May 2007 when she joined the Healthy Savannah initiative. Her passion for healthy living ignited years back after she read “Sugar Blues” by William Duffy, which opened her eyes to the dangers of processed sugar. Emphasizing the importance of community, Kreissler cultivated strong relationships, ultimately leading a coalition of over 200 partner organizations focused on healthier living.
Under her leadership, Healthy Savannah secured millions through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) REACH grants, allowing the organization to expand its outreach and create lasting programs aimed at improving community health. One of Kreissler’s proudest achievements was paving the way for Savannah’s Smoke-Free Air Ordinance of 2010, a measure that has undeniably made a positive impact on the community.
A Passion for Change
Throughout her career with Healthy Savannah, Kreissler embodied a spirit of collaboration. She worked tirelessly not only to implement initiatives that encouraged healthier eating and active living but also to empower others. Turner expressed immense gratitude for Kreissler’s mentorship, stating, “Working with Paula has been amazing. She really understands leadership and communication.” He noted the turn-out at the celebration as a testament to her extraordinary ability to unite others toward a common goal.
Empowering the Community
Food was a key highlight of the retirement celebration, and true to Kreissler’s ethos, everything catered by The Southern Palate was healthy and delicious—no junk food in sight! Kreissler emphasized the importance of serving Savannah’s underserved communities, painting a picture of how her work is not merely about diet but cultivating a culture steeped in health consciousness.
One of the shining examples of this culture is Ervenia Bowers, who Kreissler cited as a change-maker in the community by providing fruit and vegetable options to a neighborhood that had long relied on less nutritious fare. Kreissler said, “She’s bringing healthier food to those places, which is something I couldn’t do because I don’t live there.”
The Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Kreissler expressed her hope for Savannah: to become the healthiest community in Georgia. “Think about all the companies that will say, ‘Yes, let’s do something in Savannah,’ because they see policies supporting healthy living at every level,” Kreissler shared optimistically.
Even as she steps back from her leadership role, Kreissler plans on staying involved. She dreams of travel and walking holidays throughout Europe but remains committed to returning to volunteer within Healthy Savannah, aiming to keep that connection strong.
The Legacy Continues
As Kreissler jogs towards new adventures—both figurative and literal—she is leaving behind a well-equipped team under Turner’s leadership that is committed to continuing her mission of making healthy choices the easiest choices. With equity in focus and countless health challenges still on the horizon, Kreissler’s legacy is sure to be felt for years to come.
