Celebrating French Language & Cultures in Savannah

Our Purpose

Mission

We seek to connect French speakers, learners, and enthusiasts across the greater Savannah area by creating opportunities to share language, culture, and friendship through events, partnerships, and educational outreach.

Vision

We aspire to celebrate and sustain French language and cultures in Savannah and beyond, fostering curiosity, connection, and community.

Our Story

Bonjour Savannah Friends of French was created to connect, celebrate and strengthen the French-speaking community in the Savannah area. Inspired by both our longtime roots in Savannah and the growing presence of Francophone expatriates, the organization builds on the city's historic Franco-American connections dating back to the Revolutionary War.

Our goal is to create welcoming opportunities for people of all ages to speak French, share cultures, build friendships, and foster a vibrant French-speaking community throughout the region and beyond.

FAQs

Board of Directors

Valérie Kuhn Granzow, President & CEO

Originally from Alsace, France, Valérie came to Savannah through the Georgia Rotary Student Program scholarship. She holds a Master’s degree in English and dedicated 31 years to public education as an English and French teacher before retiring. Her own experience as a young person living abroad profoundly shaped her life and gave her a lasting appreciation for the power of international exchange. She believes that meaningful experiences abroad, especially for young people, can open minds, build lifelong personal connections, and develop a deeper understanding of the world and its cultures.

Today, as the Honorary Consul of France, Valérie continues to foster cultural and international connections, promoting friendship, understanding, and cooperation between France and the United States. She is particularly committed to encouraging opportunities for young people to experience other cultures firsthand, believing that these connections create lasting bridges between communities and strengthen the bonds between our two countries.

Curt Bryant, Vice President

Curt Bryant is an Operations Manager at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and a strong advocate for community engagement and international partnerships. He is passionate about supporting cultural exchange initiatives that strengthen the connection between Savannah and France and promote global understanding through meaningful local relationships.

Curt earned a Bachelor of Science degree in French Language, Literature, and Culture from California State University, Long Beach, including a year of study at La Nouvelle Sorbonne in Paris. He began his aviation career with Air France in Los Angeles and later spent 28 years with Delta Air Lines, including five years serving as a manager at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

His wife, Florence, is from Saint-Omer, France, and together they have three children: Kevin, Morgane, and Claire.

Molly Carrott-Taylor, Treasurer

Molly Carrott Taylor is the Executive Director of the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum in Savannah, where she works to connect history, culture, and community through education and public engagement. An experienced museum and nonprofit leader, she previously held leadership roles at Telfair Museums and has worked with cultural institutions in New York. Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in Art History from Connecticut College and a master’s degree in Arts Administration from Columbia University. Her interest in international arts and culture includes study in Paris, and she is committed to building connections that strengthen Savannah’s cultural and international community.

Mark Linsky, Secretary

Mark Linsky works for the Georgia Department of Education, supporting world language and global education initiatives across the state. He has expertise in French, Spanish, and ESOL education and has served as a teacher and instructional leader. Dr. Linksy holds degrees and certificates from the Université de Montréal, Marshall University, West Virginia State University, Georgia Southern University, and Valdosta State University. Throughout his career, he has earned several state and national awards for his work in language education and support. He continues his work as an advocate for language learning, connecting communities and supporting access to language learning for all.

Olga Amarie, Director

Passionate about promoting the French language and cultures, Olga Amarie is dedicated to fostering educational initiatives and cultural connections within the community through engaging events. She will organize French film festivals, coordinate activities for French Week at Georgia Southern University, and help develop francophone festivals that celebrate the creativity and richness of the French-speaking world. Her goal is to foster intercultural dialogue, inspire lifelong learning, and strengthen the visibility of the French community.

Ty Butler, Board Counsel

Tyus (“Ty”) Butler, Jr., Board-appointed Legal Counsel to Savannah Friends of French, is an attorney with a longstanding interest in French history, culture, and heritage. He practiced law in Savannah for 50 years, primarily in Labor & Employment Law and Immigration Law.

A graduate of the University of Georgia and Mercer University School of Law, cum laude, Ty has served numerous civic and professional organizations, including L’Alliance Française de Savannah and The Society of the Cincinnati, where he is Counselor Emeritus.

His French heritage runs deep, including Norman French, French Huguenot, Saint-Domingue, Louisiana French Creole, and Acadian ancestry. His professional, civic, and family connections reflect a lifelong appreciation for the French influence on Savannah and the American South.

Jane Doe, President

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John Smith, Chairman

Jen Jackson, Board Member

Frequently Asked Questions

Are donations tax-deductible?

1

Explain your current nonprofit status and how donations are handled.

Do I need to speak French to participate?

2

Clarify who your community is for — fluent speakers, learners, families, etc.

How can I get involved?

3

List the ways someone can participate (events, volunteering, membership, donating).

Where and how often are events held?

4

Describe where events take place and how people can stay informed.

Let’s Connect

Questions, ideas, or interest in collaborating? We’re always happy to hear from fellow francophones and friends of French.