Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, a nonprofit organization serving the speech pathology, audiology and pediatric occupational therapy needs of the Coastal Empire since 1954, is pleased to announce Ashley Rutland as this year’s recipient of the Annie F. Oliver Award for Volunteer of the Year.

The Annie F. Oliver Award recognizes excellence and a strong commitment to volunteering for the betterment of the Savannah Speech and Hearing Center Community. The award was created in 1979 to honor Annie F. Oliver, an administrator of the Savannah Speech and Hearing Center from 1962 to 1978 and a community volunteer.

A recent Georgia Southern University graduate, Rutland began volunteering with the Savannah Speech & Hearing Center in January of 2021. She committed more than 90 hours helping with community hearing screenings, fundraising, administrative duties, scheduling of other GSU volunteers, assisting at Sound Start, the Center’s early intervention auditory/verbal program for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as well as with the Speak Easy, a support group for survivors of stroke or traumatic brain injury.