Interim Chief Executive Officer
Jonathan Martin is a nationally recognized arts executive with decades of experience leading some of the most prestigious performing arts organizations in the United States.
Most recently, he served as President and CEO of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 2017 to 2025. Under his leadership, the organization grew into one of the country’s most respected and financially robust cultural institutions.
Prior to his time in Cincinnati, Martin was President & CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (2012–2017), where he launched a $100 million major gift campaign and created a multidisciplinary arts festival featuring collaborations with leading cultural partners and artists, including Pharrell Williams and St. Vincent.
Earlier in his career, Martin spent nine years as General Manager of The Cleveland Orchestra. In that role, he oversaw orchestral operations, international tours, Severance Hall, and Blossom Music Center, and launched the orchestra’s residency program in Miami. He began his career with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, where he held five roles over 14 years under Music Director Robert Shaw.
A native of Atlanta, Martin holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Georgia State University. He co-founded Equity Arc, helped create the Orchestra Music Licensing Organization, and is a member of the Recording Academy and the League of American Orchestras. In 2025, Musical America named him one of the top 30 professionals in the U.S. classical music field.
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 Director
Sami Deufel serves as the Development Director for the Savannah Philharmonic. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production Design from SCAD and is thrilled to further her career here in Savannah. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Sami has been surrounded by the arts for most of her life — from playing brass instruments in her youth to building a professional career in entertainment. That lifelong love of music and performance informs every aspect of her work. Sami has also established herself as a skilled lighting designer in Savannah, working with various organizations to share her talents and foster meaningful relationships. She looks forward to continuing the important work the Savannah Philharmonic does for the entire Savannah community.
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.
