City of Savannah: Official News, Events & Community Updates
- Tameka Hutchinson appointed Division Director of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center, bringing long-term leadership.
- Hutchinson has 18 years of experience at the Civic Center, including roles in operations and food and beverage management.
- City Manager Jay Melder praised her institutional knowledge and steady leadership for ensuring continuity.
- Hutchinson's prior work in the City's Real Estate Department enhanced her understanding of contracts and asset management.
- City invites public to a free renaming ceremony and community memory-collection event on January 17 at the Civic Center.
SAVANNAH — The City of Savannah is pleased to announce the appointment of Tameka Hutchinson as Division Director of the newly renamed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center.
Hutchinson has 18 years of experience with the Civic Center, most recently serving as Acting Division Director and previously as Food and Beverage Manager, a role she has held since 2007. Throughout her tenure, she has provided consistent leadership and operational oversight, with demonstrated expertise in event coordination, client relations, vendor management, and staff supervision.
“Tameka’s deep institutional knowledge, steady leadership, and long-standing commitment to excellence make her the right choice to lead the Civic Center,” said Jay Melder, Savannah’s City Manager. “She understands this facility inside and out, and her experience ensures continuity as we continue to elevate the Civic Center’s role in our community.”
In addition to her work at the Civic Center, Hutchinson previously served in the City’s Real Estate Department, where she managed contracts and right-of-way access petitions, further strengthening her understanding of City operations and asset management.
Hutchinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
As Division Director, Hutchinson will lead efforts to ensure the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center continues to operate as a first-class, multi-purpose facility, hosting a wide range of entertainment and cultural events while delivering exceptional experiences for residents, visitors, and partners. The Civic Center plays an integral role in supporting the City’s goals of operational efficiency and responsible stewardship of its real estate portfolio for the benefit of the community.
The City of Savannah, alongside the Savannah Martin Luther King Day Observance Day Committee and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, invites the public to a free community celebration and official renaming ceremony honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, January 17, at the Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
As part of the dedication, the City of Savannah Municipal Archives will host a community memory-collection event from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Civic Center lobby. Residents are encouraged to share memories of the former Martin Luther King, Jr. Arena, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy in Savannah, and offer ideas for the Civic Center’s future.
Read the full announcement on the official site
