Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer Sponsor – Diana Lee Langer Jones
Through direct and transparent communication with staff, board, musicians, donors and patrons, Dr. Amy Williams builds bridges between an organization’s internal community and that in which it lives. She has been a leader in expanding this reach in every community she has been involved with.
Prior to this move Dr. Williams served as Managing Director at Camerata Pacifica where she put in place the building blocks needed to create long term sustainability. From 2011 to 2018 as the Director of Artistic Administration and Education at the Santa Barbara Symphony she brought together community members, families and donors to build a sustainable music education program and expand the scope of the artistic direction.
Director of Development
A native of the Philadelphia area, Jeanne grew up surrounded by music. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Economics and a Spanish minor, Jeanne embarked on a 15-year career as an international commodities trader. In 1990, Jeanne moved to Savannah to join ConAgra International Fertilizer Company, where she served as Vice President, Latin America. Jeanne stepped away from the industry in 1997 to focus on her growing family and became increasingly involved in volunteer work throughout the Savannah community.
Beginning with the 2024/2025 season, Jeanne became a regular host for musicians with the Savannah Philharmonic and has continued hosting musicians during the 2025/2026 season. The relationships she’s developed with numerous musicians over meals at her downtown Savannah home have given Jeanne an even greater appreciation for not only these talented musicians, but also for all the Savannah Philharmonic does for the community.
Jeanne is excited to meet the SavPhil’s wonderful supporters, forge new relationships, and develop events to further the important mission of the Savannah Philharmonic.
Director of Artistic Operations
Sarah Farwell is the Director of Artistic Operations for the Savannah Philharmonic, where she
manages the artistic planning and production logistics that bring the orchestra’s performances
and community programs to life.
Before coming to Savannah, Farwell held operations-focused roles with the Cincinnati Opera and the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus. She earned a Master of Arts in Arts Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, as well as a Bachelor of Music in Music Business from Drake University in her home state of Iowa.
Farwell is dedicated to fostering meaningful collaborations with musicians, guest artists, and community partners, and she is delighted to bring her skills and passion for symphonic music to Savannah’s dynamic arts community.
Marketing Director
Meagan Chandler serves as the Marketing Director for the Savannah Philharmonic. Prior to this role, she worked at the Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Lucas Theatre for the Arts.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Armstrong Atlantic State University before completing her Master of Arts in Slavic and East European Studies at The Ohio State University. A Savannah native, she is proud to continue serving her community through the arts.
Education Manager
Rosa Batista is a passionate educator, violinist, and advocate for accessible music
education. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she began her orchestral journey at a
young age.
She studied Music with a focus on Education and specialized in Early Childhood
Education, combining her love of orchestral work with a deep interest in child
development. Her teaching career began early, preparing young musicians through El
Sistema in Caracas, where she also helped found the Pre-School Orchestras
Program—designing music experiences for the youngest learners. Since then, she has
brought her expertise to initiatives in Scotland, Korea, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, and
El Salvador, as well as Miami, where she was a member of the Miami Symphony
Orchestra and collaborated with the Miami Music Project.
Now based in Savannah, Georgia, Rosa serves as Education Manager and Teaching
Artist at the Savannah Philharmonic. Her mission is to inspire a lifelong love of music in
every student, regardless of background or access.
Development Associate/Executive Assistant
Chorus Master
Sponsored by Brenda Kenworthy, in memory of Brian Kenworthy
Dr. Paul Thornock is Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, Georgia, where he conducts the semi-professional Cathedral Choir, the fully professional Choral Scholars, and acts as Artistic Director for the Friends of Cathedral Music concert series.
Before coming to Savannah, Dr. Thornock was the director of music at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, Ohio and St. James Cathedral in Seattle. He has also taught at the University of Puget Sound, Capital University, and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. He holds degrees from the University of Puget Sound (BM), the University of Notre Dame (MM), and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (DMA).
Chorus Manager
Sharon Mays serves as the Chorus Manager for the Savannah Philharmonic, spearheading all logistics and communications for our nearly one-hundred member community chorus and annual summer Chorus Camp.
Additionally, she works as a conductor and singer, leading choirs for adults and children at Sacred Heart Catholic Church which specialize in Gregorian chant, including an annual Chant Camp for children. Sharon received her Bachelor of Music in Sacred Music from Samford University and her Master of Music in Choral Studies from the University of Cambridge.
Librarian
Dr. Leah Dutton enjoys a versatile career as a professional cellist, orchestra librarian, and expert in musicians’ injuries. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, she received her Bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University. Upon graduation, she moved to João Pessoa, Brazil, where she spent 5 years working as the principal cellist of the Paraíba Symphony Orchestra and completed her Master’s degree at the Federal University of Paraíba.
She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a DMA degree in cello performance and a concentration in injury rehabilitation for musicians.
