Dave’s international experience will be an asset. Consider this. Dave has an understanding of the motivations behind differing points of view and the insight to reach successful mutual solutions.

Over the decades, Dave’s professional efforts included campaigns to promote the worldwide distribution of products and services in industries that include food products, tourism, aviation, publishing, higher education, computers, medical and scientific technologies, government, and finance. This experience led him to participate in and lead many international trade missions and business conferences throughout his career. 

While serving as as Chair of the Georgia Grown Commodity Commission and Chair of Visit Savannah Dave participated in a trade mission to Ireland. In that capacity, Dave personally met with the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and other government officials and business leaders of Ireland in the common goal to promote international exchange in products and tourism.

Included in the group of professionals representing Savannah, Georgia, was Joseph Marinelli, President of Visit Savannah.


Dave’s enthusiasm, energy and personality helped to guide our organization to record-setting productivity…”

Joe Marinelli
President, Visit Savannah

Hover to see the entire statement.

Dave Legasse presented a gift to Michael D. Higgins, from the people of Georgia. The ceremony was held in Dublin in the President’s mansion, the equivalent of our “White House.” It’s named “Áras an Uachtaráin”. That roughly translates to “The Residence of the Presidents.”

Leading up to the visit to Ireland, Dave developed a relationship with the JFK Trust museum in Wexford, Ireland, which features a full-size, authentic replica of the tall ship, “Dunbrody.” On numerous voyages, this ship brought countless immigrants to Savannah during the Irish potato famine of the mid-1880s. Dave produced the video and other visuals as part of the museum’s permanent exhibits demonstrating the close ties between Savannah, Georgia, and Ireland over the centuries. Georgia Grown and the Georgia Cotton Commission provided funding and displays.

Dave Legasse produced this video as an ongoing museum presentation in Wexford, Ireland, to illustrate the long relationship between Georgia and Ireland. 

Leader in International Trade (2012 to date):

  • Member of numerous international trade and business missions
  • Developed permanent exhibits at the John F Kennedy Trust Museum/Dunbrody Famine Ship, New Ross, Wexford, Ireland
  • International Business of the Year – 2021, Nominee – World Trade Center Savannah
  • International Business of the Year – 2018, Finalist – World Trade Center Savannah
  • Trustee, Teutonic Council: An initiative with Germany to promote international trade as well as cultural and educational exchange
  • Participant in Savannah/Halle Germany Sister City initiative
  • Decades of contracted professional service with numerous international organizations

Dave Legasse and Sean Connick, Museum CEO, are pictured in front of the welcoming graphic viewed when entering the “Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience” museum in New Ross, Wexford, Ireland. The illustration represents the look of Savannah, Georgia, as the immigrants disembarked from the Dunbrody in Savannah in the 1850s.

Dave Legasse supplied the graphic art as part of an overall museum presentation consisting of exhibits, bales of cotton, signage, a video production, and general financial support. Dave Legasse, Georgia Grown, and The Georgia Cotton Commission sponsored the exhibits.


David was a man of his word who saw the potential in our project and understood the bigger picture.

Sean Connick
Chief Executive
JFK Trust and Dunbrody Experience Museum
County Wexford, Ireland

Hover to see the entire statement.

This group photo was taken atop the Francke Foundation, a museum in Halle, Germany. David Legasse is a member of this government and business initiative. This mission included members of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, The World Trade Center, Savannah, and other organizations, as well as representatives of the Savannah and Halle Germany sister city organization. The purpose of the initiative is to promote mutual cultural and educational opportunities, as well as business partnerships.


“His excellent skills and experience in understanding how to connect people to benefit communities and organizations were a tremendous asset.

Sabine Proeschel, President
Halle International e.V.,  Halle, Germany

Hover to see the entire statement.

Dave Legasse attended the ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Georgia Southern’s  Learning Center in Wexford, Ireland. The delegation also included Visit Savannah’s president Joseph Marinelli..

Scroll to Top