The CEO and executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire has energy, vision, and a sharp personal style.
Written by KATHRYN DRURY WAGNER
HIGH OCTANE, WITH HEART: That’s how one can describe Billy Sorochak. He’s easy to spot, bounding around in a bright red jacket, and impossible to resist — you’ll soon be volunteering your time, whipping out your checkbook, or both to support the amazing work the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Coastal Empire does to help families with critically ill or injured children.
Sorochak, the CEO and executive director for RMHC of the Coastal Empire, is a proud graduate of the University of Connecticut. A former aerospace sales engineer, he pivoted to a mission-driven career and now has three decades of experience in the nonprofit world, including time with the Girl Scouts of the Old 96 Council, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Susan G. Komen. He’s been with RMHC since 2002, spending 14 of those years leading the organization in Savannah.
The group has a profound impact on our area. In 2024 alone, the Ronald McDonald House, its two Family Rooms (a “haven in the hospital” for families with children receiving treatment at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital and at the Memorial Health Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah), and its hospitality cart program helped nearly 5,000 families.
As a family man himself, he understands the kind of support that can come from loved ones, such as his wife, Angel, and their three grown children.
Here, Sorochak shares a few of his Savannah haunts — and how he fuels his mission, filling his cup so he can continue to serve others.
Tell us about your favorite thing to do in Savannah.
There’s something strangely therapeutic about standing on the edge of the Savannah River and watching those massive cargo ships glide by — they are like floating skyscrapers with their own quiet rhythm. For me, it’s part awe, part reflection. These ships are carrying the weight of the world, literally, and yet they move with such calm, like they know exactly where they’re headed. Maybe it’s because I used to work in aerospace, so I’ve always been fascinated by big machines that move with precision. But I also think it’s because watching them reminds me that everything and everyone is on a journey. Some are hauling heavy loads, some are coasting light, but all of them are going somewhere with purpose.
Plus, let’s be honest, it’s hard not to feel like a kid again when one of those giant vessels comes into view. I’ll stop mid-conversation to watch, every time. It’s my version of slowing down and reconnecting with the bigger picture.
You are known for being very stylish. What are a few of your favorite local places to shop?
When it comes to style, I’ve got two non-negotiables: a sharp haircut and a wardrobe that works as hard as I do. First, Olivia Reynolds, owner of Olive Branch Barber Co. She’s an absolute legend. Every time I leave her chair, I feel ready to run a board meeting, a fundraiser, or the red carpet … maybe all three.
Now, let’s talk clothes. Dillard’s is my go-to. Not just because they keep me looking sharp (and they do), but because they’re true-blue supporters of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Suade Anderson and Matt Franklin treat me like family — they know my schedule is crazy, they know my heart’s in the mission, and they make sure I’m dressed to represent it all with style and intention. Whether it’s [the fundraiser] Wine, Women & Shoes or a golf event, they’ve got me covered, literally.
That said, sometimes you’ve got to venture into the wild world of the Internet to find those bold, unique pieces you can’t get anywhere else. I like mixing timeless with a twist, something that says CEO but also says, “This guy’s got personality.” And yes, red is absolutely my power color. It’s in our RMHC DNA, and you’ll almost always find it on me, whether it’s jewelry, a pair of kicks, or a jacket that walks into the room before I do.
Oh, and let’s not forget the sneakers. I always rock sneakers. They’re my go-to for my feet, whether I’m working the room or walking the halls of the [Ronald McDonald] House. Comfort is king, and thankfully, you can be comfy and cool at the same time. My collection might be getting a little out of hand, but hey, I call it professional development.
If someone was coming to visit you, what would you consider must-sees?
Savannah’s got this slow Southern magic that just wraps around you the moment you arrive — but if someone’s coming to visit me, we’re not doing just the brochure basics. We’re doing my Savannah.
First stop? A walk down Jones Street. Hands down, one of the most beautiful streets in America. You can feel the history in every brick and every moss-draped oak. From there, we’re grabbing a bite, probably at Vic’s on The River (site of my first date with Angel!), Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar, or, if we’re feeling casual, french fries at the downtown McDonald’s with the world’s only walk-up drive-thru. And I’m definitely sending them to Java Burrito Co. for an espresso milkshake — trust me, life-changing.
I’ll take them to Forsyth Park, of course, but then I’ll sneak them off the beaten path. Maybe a little shop-hopping in the Starland District or a walk along the riverfront to watch the cargo ships (you know how I feel about those). And if there’s a ghost tour involved, I’m in.
Without a doubt, we’re ending the night at Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar. It’s loud, it’s a little wild, and it’s 100% fun. The energy, the music, the crowd singing their hearts out — it’s like therapy, but with more bourbon and Billy Joel.
I also tell people to slow down. Don’t try to rush Savannah. Sit outside with a cocktail, listen to the crickets, and just be. That’s when this city really works its charm. And hey, if they’re lucky, I’ll hand them a red RMHC apron and put them to work. Because serving families in this city — that’s the best way to see the heart of it.
What do you do to recharge yourself physically and emotionally in order to do the work you do?
Truth is, this work is equal parts beautiful and emotional. We’re walking alongside families during the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and while it’s deeply meaningful, it’s also emotionally heavy. So recharging isn’t optional — it’s survival.
Physically, my go-to is golf. Always has been. When things get rough, I’ll hit balls until my hands practically bleed. There’s something about that rhythm and focus that resets my brain. It’s cheaper than therapy — well, kind of. And when I’m not golfing, I’m glued to sports. Football, basketball, golf, curling … if it’s competitive, I’m watching. And let’s be clear, I bleed Husky blue. UConn basketball is a religion in my house (18 national basketball titles and counting — just saying).
Now, if we’re talking guilty pleasures, movies are a huge love of mine. But when I really need to check out mentally, I unapologetically head straight for Bravo. “Southern Charm,” “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” and “Below Deck” are my go-to escapes. And don’t even try to reach me during Shark Week on Discovery.
Emotionally, my foundation is my family. My wife, Angel, and our kids are my lifeline. A dinner at home, a spontaneous laugh, or just time together doing nothing — that’s what fills my tank. And, of course … coffee. Gallons of it. Let’s not pretend I’m doing all this on herbal tea and hope.
