Executive Women’s Day presented by Baker Tilly & Emily McCarthy

Dale is one of Savannah’s most accomplished coaches and now a pillar and owner at the renowned men’s and women’s clothing store, J. Parker LTD. As Savannah Country Day’s girl’s head basketball coach (1997-2015), she won over 400 games, captured the 2000 Class A state championship, claimed seven region titles and made 16 state tournament appearances. She also led the track team to back-to-back states championships (1995-96) and earned multiple “Coach of the Year” honors, later being inducted into the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. After 25 years in education and coaching, Dale joined her family’s business, J. Parker LTD, full-time in 2015. She has helped expand the brand to multiple locations, including Bluffton, South Carolina, and diversifying the brand’s footprint at Twelve Oaks Shopping Center, which now boasts three distinct concepts: a flagship men’s store, the debut of J. Parker Ladies and the sophisticated J. Parker Custom clothing. 

Cindy is a seasoned business and community leader, with more than 35 years in the insurance industry. As a founding principal and board member of Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, she specializes in serving healthcare clients, with expertise in complex liability issues, M&A due diligence and alternative risk financing solutions. Cindy previously served as managing partner and national healthcare practice leader for Palmer & Cay Insurance and as a senior consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in risk management consulting. Cindy holds a BBA in risk and insurance management from the University of Georgia and has earned CIC and CPCU designations. An active community leader, Cindy has held key roles with the United Way of the Coastal Empire, Savannah Christian Preparatory School, Savannah Chamber and UGA’s Terry College of Business. 

With more than two decades of service in various state and government leadership positions, Bert began his tenure as with the Chamber of Commerce in February 2023. Bert and the world-class team at the Chamber and Visit Savannah are dedicated to ensuring economic opportunity spreads through the business community as the Savannah region enters a new era of growth and prosperity. Bert has help roles in the Office of Gov. Sonny Perdue, the Department of Driver Services, the State Road & Tollway Authority, Department of Transportation, Office of Gov. Brain P. Kemp and Georgia Department of Economic Development. Bert and his wife, Tonya, have two daughters, Kendall and Carson. 

Camille Syed is a Savannah native and lifestyle host on WTOC’s Morning Break. A Georgia Southern University graduate, she began her journalism career reporting in Florida before returning home to tell impactful community stories in Savannah. Camille is passionate about amplifying voices, fostering meaningful conversations, and empowering women through storytelling.

Nora joined the Coastal Heritage Society in 2006 with a focus on museum operations and collaborating the Historic Preservation Team on capital projects to restore the historic Central of Georgia railroad site. Her role expanded in 2015 when she was appointed Chief Operations Officer, managing the expansion of Coastal Heritage Society’s scope with the additions of Savannah Children’s Museum, Pin Point Heritage Museum and Harper Fowlkes House. In January 2023, Nora stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer and is only the third CEO in the organization’s 50-year history. A native of Savannah, Nora received her BA in history and minor in pre-law from Belmont Abbey College and a Master’s degree in public history from Armstrong Atlantic State University, now Georgia Southern University.  

Dr. Foley leads Savannah Technical College with a clear focus to equip Coastal Georgia with a skilled workforce that drives economic progress.  Holding a bachelor’s degree in management and an MBA from Georgia Southern University, along with a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Management from the University of Georgia, Dr. Foley champions lifelong learning, a core principle of technical education. He is leading Savannah Tech at a critical time as they expand online and hybrid learning options, invest in updated facilities, and develop new programs that anticipate future workforce needs. Dr. Foley upholds that supporting student success and sharing that narrative is essential to illustrate the tangible impact of technical education. 

As Assistant County Administrator, Kathryn helps oversee Bryan County government operations, including recreation, senior services, elections and animal control. Kathryn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (2003) and a Master of Public Administration (2006) from the University of Georgia. Kathryn previously served as the Interim County Manager and Assistant County Manager for Glynn County and as Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, representing 25 counties in southeast Georgia. She also worked as a planner for the Coastal Georgia Regional Commission, served two sessions in the Georgia General Assemble and interned with Congressman Jack Kingston. A Leadership Georgia graduate, Kathryn lives on Skidaway Island with her husband, Jared, their daughters, Emma and Anna Hughes, and their dogs, Maggie Mae and Hardy.