Gabrielle Nelson
A lifelong resident of Chatham County, Mayor Pro Tem Gabrielle Nelson was born in Savannah and raised by her grandparents, who instilled in her strong moral values and a profound sense of responsibility. From them, she learned the importance of listening not just with her ears but with her heart, shaping her into the compassionate and tactful leader she is today.
Rooted in her faith and guided by a deep appreciation for life, Gabrielle spent her childhood in school, church, and helping tend to her grandparents’ cherished southside corner-lot home. Her experiences as a preacher’s kid instilled in her a sense of purpose that drives her passion for uplifting others, particularly children and youth. She is a staunch advocate for fostering opportunities that allow young people to thrive within their communities.
Educated in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and at the former Armstrong Atlantic State University, Gabrielle’s early dreams of homeownership sparked her passion for financial literacy. This passion fuels her mission to bring compassionate, sensible decision-making to Port Wentworth, fostering economic growth, community safety, and overall quality of life.
Before her election to the City Council, Gabrielle served on the Port Wentworth Planning and Zoning Commission, gaining valuable insight into the complexities of urban development and growth. As Mayor Pro Tem, she collaborates with citizens, elected officials, and dignitaries at local, state, and national levels to craft policies, ensure compliance with laws, and enhance communication across stakeholders. Gabrielle has been instrumental in significant city advancements, including opening a technology center, breaking ground on a state-of-the-art sports complex featuring the Savannah Ghost Pirates training facility, and spearheading a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the Coastal Empire to increase housing options. She also led efforts to have Port Wentworth designated as a Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) certified City of Ethics and City of Civility.
Her commitment to community engagement shines through her creation of family-centered “Heart Festivals” and other initiatives that foster unity and compassion in city leadership. Gabrielle’s dedication to professional development is reflected in her accolades, including graduation from the 2023 Georgia Forward & GMA “Young Gamechanger” program, GMA’s Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute, and earning GMA’s Certificates of Recognition and Achievement.
Gabrielle serves on GMA’s Legislative and Federal Policy Committees, the Brightside Children’s Advocacy Board (CASA), the Coastal Coalition for Children Board, and the Habersham YMCA Board. She is a 2024 Leadership Savannah class member, a former vice chair of the National League of Cities (NLC) Small Cities Council, and a proud recipient of NLC’s Centennial Under 40 Impact Award.
With 16 years of service to Chatham County Government, Gabrielle has demonstrated exceptional leadership, ascending to her current role as Computer Support Manager for the County’s IT Department. There, she oversees the IT Helpdesk and procurement division, manages budgets, and ensures the protection of the County’s investments. Her professional expertise spans legal, technical, administrative, and budgetary functions, enabling her to execute complex initiatives that drive progress in both her city and career.
Gabrielle is a devoted mother of three—Marissa, Sire, and Maverick—who inspire her daily. She models civic engagement by involving her children in meetings and discussions, teaching them the value of service and leadership. An active parent and community volunteer, she coaches city little league teams and cherishes the opportunity to foster teamwork and mentorship among Port Wentworth’s youth. Gabrielle Nelson embodies the spirit of service, blending heart, vision, and action to create meaningful change for her community.