Today, we get to meet Savannah Casey, Director of Operations for WCCBI.

As Director of Operations for the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry (WCCBI), Savannah Casey brings more than just business savvy to her role–she brings lived experience, community pride, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

A Warren County native and graduate of Warren Area High School, Savannah holds a degree in Business Administration from the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC). Her journey through college began in August 2020, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She not only earned her degree during those uncertain times but was also selected as the student speaker for NPRC’s 2023 Commencement Ceremony.

That same year, she also reached a personal milestone–marrying Ryan Casey in May 2020. Together, they are raising three daughters: Kendra (16), Beth (14), and Guenivere (13).

Pictured is Savannah Casey and her husband Ryan.

Though Savannah’s career path has taken her through various roles–including a part-time position at the Warren Public Library–her work at WCCBI since 2018 has been particularly meaningful. She joined the team shortly after graduating from Leadership Warren County, and her duties now include assisting local businesses and nonprofits, helping start-ups, and promoting Warren County’s rich tourism resources.

But for Savannah, the heart of her job lies in the people she meets.

“Each day offers the profound opportunity to connect with new individuals, to actively listen to the intricate narratives of their journeys, and to be inspired by the hopeful aspirations that shape our community,” she shared. “I believe that it weaves a tapestry of shared human experience, something that is lost in our current state of affairs. We often forget that we’re all human and that it costs nothing to show a little kindness and compassion, to genuinely care.”

Beyond her professional role, Savannah is deeply involved in civic life. She volunteers for several local organizations, including the Warren Area Student Union, and serves as a board member of the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center and the Woman’s Club of Warren. She’s also an active member of the Zonta Club of Warren and part of the Warren Area High School Marching Band Boosters.

One of Savannah’s most personal contributions to the community is her Little Free Library, located on Connecticut Avenue.

Photos submitted to the Times Observer Pictured are Savannah Casey, her husband Ryan and their children.

“This simple act of sharing literature is my small way of giving back, fostering imagination, and echoing the vital role our public libraries played in my development,” she said. “Seeing other Little Free Libraries emerge across Warren County reinforces my belief in our collective capacity for generosity and community-driven initiatives.”

Savannah’s roots run deep in Warren County. Her grandparents, Joan McIntyre and Edward Zimmerman, each held well-known community roles–Joan as a dispatcher for the Warren City Police for over 23 years, and Ed as the longtime manager of Sparkle Car Wash under Whirley DrinkWorks. Her mother, Justine Zimmerman, worked many years at United Refining Company and was a single parent.

“Much of my strength I attribute to the example set by my mother,” Savannah said.

“As a single mom, she navigated challenges with grit and determination, demonstrating an incredible work ethic. Her ability to provide, often against significant odds, taught me the true meaning of perseverance. She is, without a doubt, one of the fiercest people I know.”

Savannah’s own journey into motherhood began early and shaped her worldview.

“Holding my daughter for the first time, just a month before turning sixteen, irrevocably shifted my world.

Teen mothers often face negative social stigmas, guilt, and shame. Between 47 and 60 percent of teen moms do not graduate from high school, and less than 10 percent graduate from college by the age of 30.

I didn’t want to be another failed statistic.

This early journey into motherhood, while challenging, became my greatest catalyst for growth, instilling a fierce resilience and an unwavering focus on building a stable and loving future for my family.”

Once someone eager to leave town, Savannah now sees Warren County with new eyes.

“I was one of those kids who thought there was ‘nothing’ to do here and couldn’t wait to leave this town. But I was very wrong. Warren County is beautiful, and we are blessed to live in a region that is surrounded by abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s also a safe and generous community.”

That community spirit is what she wants to help cultivate for the next generation.

“On any given day, I can walk down the street and know someone who says hello to me. When it comes to ‘rallying the troops’ to help our neighbors, I really believe that Warren County has a huge heart.”

In her work and in her advocacy, Savannah is focused on helping Warren County grow–not just in numbers or revenue, but in perspective and opportunity.

“I recognize that the familiar refrain of ‘it’s always been like that’ or ‘there’s nothing to do here’ can often hinder our progress. I aspire to move beyond the comfort of tradition when it impedes growth and embrace a more progressive way of doing business–whether that’s in local governance, economic development, or community engagement. It’s about fostering innovation, embracing new ideas, and collaboratively building a vibrant future where all of our children and grandchildren can not only thrive but also choose to stay or return, ensuring Warren County remains a dynamic place for all.”

With resilience, heart, and an eye toward the future, Savannah Casey is not only shaping her own path–she’s helping shape the path for an entire community.