As the current Vice Chairman of Chatham County and District 8 Commissioner, Chester A. Ellis, has held positions and served our Chatham community at every level. From Educator, Public Servant, Athletic Coach, Father, Faith Based Leader, to Citizen. With over 30 years of experience he understands the fabric that makes Chatham strong.
Education
● Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
● Bachelor’s Degree - Savannah State University
● Master's Degree in Education and Leadership from Cambridge College
● Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership and Change from Fielding Institute
30+ Years of Leadership & Executive Management
● Served as County Commissioner & Current Vice Chairman
● Coastal Regional Commission (10 Counties) - Board Member
● Coastal Regional Commission - Finance Committee
● CAT (Chatham Area Transit) - Former Board Member
● President of Historic Carver Village Association
● President - Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
● President - Savannah Baptist Union
● Former President - Beta Phi Lamda Alpha Phi Alpha
● Former Chairman - National Time & Place Committee
● Former Chairman - Chatham County District Leadership Team
● Former Chairman - Building Leadership Team - Johnson High School
● Former President - Woodville-Tompkins Hall Of Fame
Why are you running for office and as a Democrat?
As the current Vice Chairman of Chatham County I am prepared to lead our County as Chairman on Day #1. I will continue to fight not to raise taxes and keep our families and neighborhoods safe. Post COVID-19 our economy will need to be supported with more livable wage & higher wage earning jobs. My 30+ years of experience in executive management and leadership has allowed me the opportunity to work with all 8 districts in Chatham County. I understand the futures at stake for our Chatham County families, and the pathway needed forward.
Through my commitment to collaboration, I have served as President of 8 community organizations. Transparency and accountability are anchors of my moral compass. I understand what makes Chatham County strong! I am a proud lifelong resident of Chatham! Highlights of my career as a public servant have been serving as President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and Board Member of the Coastal Regional Commission. Chatham citizens are and will continue to be my first priority.
If elected, what would be your top priorities? Why? How would you approach finding a solution?
COVID-19 is strong, but we are STRONGER! We must rebuild and protect our community for our future. Our economy recovery plan will include supporting local business retention, bringing in new business sectors, and training a work-ready labor force. Moving forward, disaster preparedness is a key focus. As Chairman, We will anticipate supply chain issues to provide protection for our first responders. Accessible testing & healthcare at a community level is imperative.
Future crises will require virtual digital access & training at all levels.
As Chairman, I plan on providing a rapid response program for natural & health raised disasters with Chatham County Emergency Services. We need to continue working with the Coastal Regional Commission. Finally, I’d like to convene a public/private task force of stakeholders to execute a strategy & plan.
Expansion of our County is rapidly occurring. I will support a Smart Growth plan which will focus on an analysis of our increasing need for substantial infrastructure improvements. We need a master plan to make Systematic design, upgrading our existing infrastructure with a new state of the arch system including transportation & utilities.Transportation needs and the capacity to provide county services are essential to sustainability. We will utilize scalability to determine the appropriate population growth.
Lastly, We need to diversify our industry sectors. Rebuilding a robust economy through the diversification of industries in Biomedical, Technology, Film, and Pharmaceutical Industries is crucial. As Chairman, I will create an environment to bring these industries to Chatham County so that citizens can benefit from higher earning and livable wages.
We will work with educational institutions at every level to build a work ready labor force. I will provide the leadership to aggressively work with our public & private partners in the recruitment efforts of these industries. Expanding and creating viable local business opportunities will support Local, Small, Minority & Women owned business growth.
Why should voters cast a vote for you?
As the current Vice Chairman I am prepared to lead our County on Day #1. My 30+
years of experience in executive management and leadership has allowed me the
opportunity to work with all 8 districts in Chatham County. Through my commitment to
collaboration, I have served as President of 8 community organizations. Transparency
and accountability are anchors of my moral compass.
Please visit Chester4Chatham.Com for more information on my platform. Working together there is nothing we can’t achieve!