News Summary
The Savannah Philharmonic has announced the appointment of Christopher Cay and Sarah Woodfield to its Board of Directors. Their addition aims to enhance the board’s capabilities and broaden community outreach. However, the organization also decided to discontinue the Phil the Park event due to insufficient funding. The Executive Director expressed optimism about the new members’ expertise and its positive impact on future programming and community engagement initiatives.
Savannah – The Savannah Philharmonic has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Christopher Cay and Sarah Woodfield. Their addition aims to enhance the board’s capabilities and broaden the organization’s community outreach. At the same time, the Philharmonic has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Phil the Park event due to insufficient financial support.
New Board Members
Christopher Cay, a Principal at Cay Insurance Company, brings a wealth of experience to the board. His firm, established in 2007, specializes in both individual and commercial insurance services and is based in Savannah. A lifelong Savannah resident, Cay holds a degree from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Georgia State University. He has a significant history of nonprofit involvement, having served on boards such as the Savannah Music Festival and the Savannah Community Foundation. Presently, he is the board chair for both the Sarah Mills Hodge Foundation and the Savannah Benevolent Association.
Sarah Woodfield, originally from Chicago, has relocated to Savannah after a successful 33-year career in architecture in Northern California. An early musician who began piano lessons at the age of nine, Woodfield has participated in numerous music-related activities throughout her life. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Arizona State University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Los Angeles. In her previous roles, she held the position of President of the American Institute of Architects in Santa Rosa and was a Board Member of the Santa Rosa Symphony. Since moving to Savannah, she has engaged with the community by joining the Historic Design Board of Review and actively participating in activities at Christ Church.
Commitment to Community and Programming
The Executive Director of the Savannah Philharmonic expressed enthusiasm regarding the appointment of Cay and Woodfield, emphasizing their expertise will be instrumental to the organization. Their backgrounds in both insurance and architecture, combined with a shared passion for music, bring a diverse perspective to the board, which is expected to benefit the Philharmonic’s initiatives moving forward.
In a parallel development, the Savannah Philharmonic announced on Monday the discontinuation of the Phil the Park event. This decision comes after a thorough review of the event’s financial viability, concluding that it would not be feasible to continue without adequate funding. The organization characterized this decision as tough but necessary, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing community programming and maintaining an array of performances throughout the year.
Future Directions
Daphne Nash, the Board Chair of the Savannah Philharmonic, reiterated the organization’s steadfast dedication to its core mission: to entertain, inspire, and build community ties through music. In light of these recent changes, the Philharmonic aims to focus its resources on programs that create a significant impact on local audiences and further enrich Savannah’s cultural landscape.
As it moves forward with new leadership and strategies, the Savannah Philharmonic continues to prioritize its engagement with the community and is exploring innovative ways to support and promote the arts in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Savannah Unveils Weekend Events Spotlighting Music and Art
Savannah Philharmonic Hosts Majestic Sibelius Concert
Savannah to Host the 4th Annual ‘Phil the Neighborhood’ Concert Series
House Bill 762 Passes, Establishing Savannah Music Commission
Phil The Neighborhood Concert Series Returns to Savannah
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Music Director Candidates
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- Savannah Business Journal: Philharmonic Season Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Main Page
- WTOC: Phil the Park Event
- Google Search: Savannah Philharmonic
- Savannah Tribune: Donation to City Mission
- Google Scholar: Savannah Philharmonic
- AJC: Georgia Orchestras News
- Google News: Savannah Philharmonic
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
