Erica Baskin has been named Director of Events and Community for Connect Savannah, a new position created as part of the local media company’s ongoing expansion and evolution.

Baskin has served as publisher for Connect Savannah for the past three years.

“Erica’s exceptional skills have rejuvenated Connect, elevating its significance through her outstanding event management and community engagement. This position will enable her to concentrate on these areas more effectively,” said Charles Hill Morris Jr., owner of the Savannah-based news organization.

Connect Savannah, long a mainstay in the city as a printed publication focused on entertainment and dining news, is evolving into a digital news platform with a broader base of content and increased emphasis on local news reporting. Connect will continue to publish a monthly print product, in addition to organizing and sponsoring community focused events and programs.

“As we work to fill the existing void of local news coverage, it’s vital that we have strong connections with the community we serve so that we can better understand its needs and how we can help meet those needs. Erica’s new role will strengthen those connections which are essential to our success,” Morris said.

Having Baskin in the new position will also allow Connect to continue growing the number and scope of special community events hosted by the media company.

In her new role, Baskin will help to grow and expand the lineup of popular community events offered by Connect Savannah, such as the annual Best of Savannah competition, the Southeast Leadership Forum and community festivals.

“We’re looking forward to making our current events bigger and better than ever and adding new events that we think will have appeal. We will be building a team for planning and execution and working with venues, vendors and those in the community,” Baskin said.

Baskin also will continue to be highly visible as a representative for Connect in the community.

“I’m super excited about all the changes we are making and the many new ways we are going to be able to serve the people of Savannah,” Baskin said.

A veteran of more than 20 years of newspaper and marketing experience, Baskin held a variety of media positions prior to joining Connect, including having served as a publisher in Alabama for Boone Newspapers and a regional advertising director in Oklahoma for Community Publishing, Inc.

This article appears in January 2024.