Savannah Woodward

Former Director of Communications for a large East Texas nonprofit, Savannah has relocated to the Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas. Driven by her passion for leadership, Savannah has taken on the role of Director of Special Events within the Shepperd Leadership Institute at the University of Texas Permian Basin.

As the Director of Special Events at the Shepperd Leadership Institute, Savannah champions signature programs, notably the Permian Basin Water In Energy Conference (PBWIEC) and the Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS). Her role bridges the Institute with the broader Permian Basin community, creating robust synergies and fostering enduring partnerships.

My key responsibilities include:
– Spearheading major Institute programs, ensuring alignment with UTPB’s mission and vision.
– Collaborating cross-functionally across the university to bolster shared objectives and foster holistic institutional success.
– Fundraising for our core programs, forging ties with stakeholders and developing sponsorship opportunities.
– Pioneering dynamic communication strategies across diverse platforms, from web and social media to in-person interactions.
– Establishing fresh partnerships across non-profit, private, and governmental sectors.
– Steering leadership initiatives, from training sessions to community outreaches, and consistently innovating our program offerings.
– Driving the creation and execution of both operational and strategic blueprints, while measuring the impact and effectiveness of our endeavors.
– Advocating for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work atmosphere, promoting unity, growth, and excellence in all our ventures.

Savannah is deeply committed to enhancing the Shepperd Leadership Institute’s presence and fostering transformative leadership experiences for our community.

With having attributed much of her accomplishments to the impact of navigating her personal educational journey as a first generation college student, Savannah finds herself significantly passionate in her mission to identify, mentor, and equip those students mirroring her similar experiences and barriers.

Savannah demonstrates her commitment to community impact by volunteering through several organizations such as the TDLR Midwives Advisory Board, Odessa’s Meals on Wheels, serving on the Board of Directors for the Young Professionals of Odessa, and as an active member of the Junior League of Odessa through various committees. Savannah is a graduate of both the Nonprofit Management Center – Permian Basin’s Generations program as well as Leadership Odessa.