The Savannah Harbor Innovation Partnership (SHIP) is a public-private nonprofit committed to building a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem in Savannah and the surrounding region.
Officially launching in March 2025, SHIP is the product of years of visioning, planning, and collaboration. A labor of love shaped by a shared belief that Savannah has the potential to become a national leader in logistics, supply chain innovation, and tech-enabled business. Our mission is to bring together corporate partners, entrepreneurs, government leaders, universities, and investors to solve complex challenges and drive inclusive, sustainable growth. We focus on sectors where Savannah already has a strong foundation—logistics, supply chain, hospitality, tourism, and agritech-and build new momentum through strategic partnerships, capital access, and community-driven programming.
SHIP is more than an organization; it’s a catalyst. We are here to help innovative ideas take root, create meaningful jobs, support local talent, and shape a resilient economy, one that works for everyone. While our official launch is just the beginning, the groundwork we’re laying now is already helping shape the future of business and innovation in Savannah.
Erem leads with a deep commitment to transform Savannah and the Southeast into a global innovation hub.
She leverages her extensive expertise across conscious business leadership, the private equity and venture capital arena, mergers & acquisitions, go-to-market strategy, and the energetics of entrepreneurship to strengthen Savannah’s ecosystem at the intersection of advanced technology innovation. By targeting Savannah’s position as a powerhouse in supply chain & logistics, defense, and advanced manufacturing, the city is poised to leap into the next 50 years with an exponential growth trajectory.
Erem’s unique blend of C-suite leadership, business advisory skills, executive presence, and motivational coaching fuel her mission to cultivate forward-thinking leaders and cultivate an innovation-driven ecosystem. Her approach is grounded in purposeful engagement and strategic vision, helping guide regional partners to thrive in today’s complex business environment.
At the forefront of Savannah’s innovation landscape, Taylor champions the creation of vibrant partnerships and programs that accelerate growth across logistics, supply chain, and emerging technologies.
Known for her versatile expertise spanning real estate, community engagement, operations, and philanthropy, Taylor is a master connector who thrives on building ecosystems that empower startups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses alike.
Taylor’s passion for cultivating community and driving meaningful change is central to SHIP’s mission of uniting industry, government, academia, and investors to shape a bold, innovation-driven future for the region.
With a distinguished military background and leadership acumen, Col. Arena brings strategic insights, mentorship, and operational excellence to SHIP’s initiatives.
In his capacity, he works closely with cross-sector partners to develop programming, cultivate innovation, and drive collaborative efforts that strengthen Savannah’s regional ecosystem and amplify its role as a global logistics hub.
His superpower is enhancing opportunities for applied learning, entrepreneurial growth, and forward-thinking projects.
Based in Savannah, Col. Arena is deeply committed to shaping a resilient, innovation-driven future for the region.
Abbegayle has expertise spanning digital marketing, public relations, and multimedia content creation.
Throughout her career she has collaborated with organizations ranging from local startups to national financial institutions. Across every project, she is driven by a passion for building trust through purposeful branding, community engagement, and well-crafted messaging that inspires action.
In her role with SHIP, Abbegayle develops strategic communications that highlight Savannah’s innovation ecosystem, foster collaboration among industry, government, academia, and investors, and position the region as a global leader in logistics and supply chain transformation.
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