Savannah Music Festival Welcomes New Board Members to Boost Local Arts Scene

Exciting News for Savannah’s Music Scene!

Hey there, Savannah! Big things are happening in our charming city, especially when it comes to our vibrant Savannah Music Festival (SMF). This year, three remarkable individuals are joining the festival’s board of directors, and they come with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm that promises to elevate our local arts scene even more.

Welcoming New Faces to the Board

As announced on November 7, 2024, Farina Wong Kingsley, Mario Hilliard, and Joyce M. Roché are the newest members of SMF’s board. Each brings unique skills and perspectives that are sure to enhance the organization’s efforts in promoting live music, supporting regional growth, and fostering educational initiatives throughout the year.

Gene Dobbs Bradford, the Executive Director of the Savannah Music Festival, expressed his excitement saying, “We’re incredibly honored to welcome three accomplished professionals to the Savannah Music Festival board of directors and appreciate their expertise and insight.” It’s clear that the board is eager to utilize this fresh talent to keep Savannah’s music scene buzzing!

Meet Mario Hilliard

First up, let’s chat about Mario Hilliard. He’s the Market President at Cadence Bank in Savannah. After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a major in Banking and Finance, Mario rose through the ranks to lead Cadence Bank’s strategic planning and growth initiatives in our local market. With a decade-long background as a Commercial Lender and further education from the prestigious Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking, Mario is a powerhouse in financial planning and community development. We can’t wait to see how his insights will help fuel musical and economic growth in Savannah!

A Culinary Expert Joins the Team

Next, we have the incredibly talented Farina Wong Kingsley. Starting her culinary journey in sunny San Francisco, Farina has made quite a name for herself as a culinary instructor and an author of several cookbooks for Williams-Sonoma. Her cookbooks emphasize the importance of farm-to-table cooking, highlighting the beauty of local and organic produce. Since moving to Singapore in 2009, she has extended her talents to the hospitality industry, helping create an eco-resort in Southern Myanmar. Now based partly in New York City and partly in Savannah, she’s thrilled to give back to the community and spice up Savannah’s cultural landscape.

A Trailblazer in Advocacy

Last but certainly not least is Joyce M. Roché. This remarkable woman served as the President and CEO of Girls Inc., a national nonprofit focused on empowering young women, until her retirement in 2010. With a trailblazing career that includes positions like Vice President of Global Marketing at Avon Products, Inc., she made history as one of the first African-American women to hold such significant roles. Joyce has received numerous accolades for her leadership and has been featured in major publications like Fortune and Business Week. Currently, she is engaged with several local boards, including the Savannah Economic Development Authority and the Savannah Community Foundation, making her a vital asset to our community!

Positive Changes Ahead for SMF

The addition of Kingsley, Hilliard, and Roché to the Savannah Music Festival board signifies a commitment to not only uphold the festival’s artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility but also to deepen outreach into the community. These new board members are ready to make their mark, bringing their experiences together to make Savannah’s music scene even brighter and more inclusive!

So, let’s give a hearty welcome to these fantastic individuals as they embark on this new journey with the Savannah Music Festival. Exciting times are ahead, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll bring to our beloved city!