SIRC Board of Directors

Hugh Barnes, owner of Barnes Restaurant & Catering, hails from Savannah, attending Calvary middle school and Benedictine High School. After graduating from the University of Georgia, he worked in Atlanta then returned to Savannah to join the family business.

Hugh is the proud father of two boys, aged 26 and 19. He is a lifelong Republican, prioritizing conservative values and emphasizing patriotism. Advocating for earned opportunities over entitlements, Hugh supports welcoming others while safeguarding American values through legal processes. Furthermore, Hugh is a strong advocate for the power of the states. He believes in minimizing national government control and promoting more state governance.

Originally from Glasgow, Kentucky, she moved to Skidaway Island in 2020 after establishing her career in Savannah in 2016. Her professional journey began at Schneider National, where she played a pivotal role in HR operations. She later contributed to the successful launch of Anatolia Tile & Stone’s startup operations in Savannah, served as HR Director for T5 Data Centers' U.S. operations, and currently holds the position of Business Director at Thrive Senior Living on Skidaway Island.

Beyond her professional achievements, Hailey is actively engaged in the community. She and her husband, Ben Ellis, a Savannah native and attorney, enjoy spending time with family, playing pickleball and tennis, running, working out, and traveling.

John is a Bucknell graduate, with an MBA and a CPA. He first moved here to be CFO at Memorial Medical Center, but moved to Erie, PA, to be CEO of a large health system.

Now a realtor with The Landings Company, he’s a member of The Landings Club, Rotary Club, and Landings Automobile Society. Members of Skidaway Community Church, John and his wife Karen have two grown daughters.

He was financial consultant to three Erie Democrat mayors and the first Republican on Erie’s City Council in 25 years.

Michael Owens brings over 20 years of experience in Savannah’s hospitality and tourism industry. Since becoming President and CEO of the Tourism Leadership Council in 2012, he has led the organization to become the largest trade association for tourism in Georgia. Michael is deeply involved in local civic and industry initiatives, serving on multiple boards and advisory groups. He and his wife, Amanda, also co-founded Grace Autism Services, a nonprofit supporting families and children in the region.

Guy is a graduate of Brown University. His professional  career was with Procter and Gamble, Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley. Risk Magazine named him a derivatives pioneer for a product called the “Range Forward”. He has been published over 20 times in The Wall Street Journal letters to the editor, and frequently in The Savannah Morning News. Guy and his wife Sandy have two daughters and two grandchildren.