Founder/Board of Directors
From Vision to Action—Meet Our Founders
Dr. Priscilla D. Thomas
Founder/Executive Director
Dr. Priscilla D. Thomas is a retired Chatham County Commissioner for the 8th District and founder of Summer Bonanza Partnership, Inc. and the Chatham County Youth Commission. With over 25 years of service, she was the longest-serving senior elected official to represent Chatham County at the local, state, and national levels.
A Savannah native, Dr. Thomas graduated from Tompkins High School and earned degrees and certifications from Bradley University, North America University, Atlanta University, and the University of Georgia.A retired educator and principal, Dr. Thomas is also a Certified Independent Meeting-Event Planner and Educational Consultant. She is the Past International President of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Past President of the Chatham County Retired Teachers’ Association, a lifelong member of Fairlawn Baptist Church, and a tireless advocate for youth and community.
Dr. Thomas and her late husband, Mr. Nathaniel Thomas, shared a deep commitment to service and launched Summer Bonanza together as a labor of love for their community. Their legacy of purpose and partnership lives on through their daughter, Debra, and beloved grandson, “CJ.”
Bishop Willie Ferrell
Asst. Executive Director
Bishop Willie Ferrell is a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and community leader. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, he is a graduate of Jones Business College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and holds a theology certificate from the C.H. Mason Bible Institute at the Interdenominational Theological Center (Savannah Chapter).
For over 28 years, Bishop Ferrell has served as the full-time senior pastor of Royal Church of Christ, Inc. He is also chaplain for the Savannah Police Department, Chatham County Sheriff's Office, and Savannah Fire Department.
A passionate advocate for youth, he has led initiatives including Project Success and the Beacons Program, and volunteered in local schools through the S.T.A.R. (Students Taking Active Responsibility) program.
His community involvement includes Leadership Savannah, United Way, the Fatherhood Initiative, Ministerial Alliance, NAACP, and Crime Stoppers. His accolades include being an Olympic Torch Bearer, WTOC Hometown Hero, Honorary State Senate Chaplain, recipient of the WSOK Community Service Award, and a Chatham County proclamation for outstanding service presented by Commissioner Yusuf K. Shabazz.
