The Ledger

By Becky Holland

When Shane Savant first decided to run for Cochran City Council, District Three, Seat Two, he wanted to make sure people understood his intentions.

Before qualifying for the race, Savant visited with then-incumbent Jimmy Jones personally.

“I wanted him to know I wasn’t running against him,” Savant said. “I just wanted to be a voice for the younger generation.”

Now two years into his first term on the Cochran City Council, Savant says that desire to serve and help move the city forward still drives him.

Savant, 50, is a Hawkinsville native who has lived in Cochran for more than 20 years. He works as a defense contractor at WR and he and his wife have two children and three grandchildren under the age of 5.

A member of First Baptist Church of Cochran, Savant describes himself as a Christ follower who enjoys staying involved with youth activities through church and school. Many local residents also recognize his voice from athletic events, where he serves as a public address announcer for games.

“I’m a funny guy,” he said with a laugh. “But I also have a heart for helping kids and helping people in need.”

That servant-minded approach carries into his role on city council, where Savant has become known for asking detailed questions during meetings.

“I’m a real policy and procedures guy,” he said. “I ask questions because I want to understand things.”

Savant said one of the hardest moments in his life came on the same day he was scheduled to participate in a Meet the Candidates forum during his first campaign for office.

Earlier that day, he learned he had been laid off from his job as an IT manager.

“That was a real punch to the gut,” he said.

Still, he showed up that night and continued forward. He later found work again soon afterward.

Savant credits perseverance and faith for helping him navigate difficult seasons, lessons he now shares with younger people whenever he has the opportunity.

“Stick to your goals you set,” he said when asked what advice he would give his younger self. “Stick to your morals. Don’t jump ship at the first sign of turbulence.”

Before moving into public service, Savant played college baseball and later helped coach baseball in Cochran. These days, when he finds free time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Looking ahead, Savant hopes to continue serving the city and helping Cochran grow in positive ways.

When asked where he sees himself in five years, Savant said, “I still see myself helping Cochran succeed and advance in the most effective way.”