The Board of Directors of the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra announced the appointment of Terri O’Neil as Executive Director, replacing Mitchell Krieger, who is pursuing other career opportunities. Most recently, O’Neil joined the Philharmonic as Development Director in early 2016 after five years as Development Director with Historic Savannah Foundation. Raised in Savannah, O’Neil has deep roots in the local community and brings with her significant expertise in fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and community outreach. In further good news, the Board of Directors has confirmed that Peter Shannon, Artistic Director and Conductor, has formally renewed his relationship with the Philharmonic through the 2019-2020 season.

"Terri has made a tremendous contribution to our organization," said Austin Hill, Chairman of the Board. “We believe that she embodies the Savannah spirit that will take our organization to the next level. We are thrilled that Terri has accepted this expanded role.  She is clearly the right person to lead us as we begin planning for our tenth season and beyond and will be working closely with Peter Shannon, Artistic Director and Conductor.”

Irish-born and a naturalized U.S. citizen, Peter Shannon has provided a highly-acclaimed level of artistic leadership to the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus since its inception. Shannon spent the previous decade conducting the Collegium Musicum Orchestra in Heidelberg and has been officially recognized by the American Federation of Musicians and the United States government as an individual of extraordinary ability.

Shannon said, “As Director of Development Terri has proven to be passionate about the Philharmonic and a fantastic colleague. Her ability and work ethic are second to none and she is simply a joy to work with. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I look forward to seeing what the future will hold with us together at the helm of Savannah's Orchestra and Chorus.”

Commenting on this new development, O’Neil said, "I am thrilled to be part of the Philharmonic team during these exciting times. Working with Maestro Shannon, the Philharmonic staff and Board these past 16 months truly demonstrates we will be Savannah’s orchestra in perpetuity. Our concert schedule for Season 9 was recently announced and we're really building momentum towards our 10^th season in 2018-19.  We are recognized not only for for our world-class performances but also for our impactful Integrative Medicine Program at Anderson Cancer Institute and Willet Children’s Hospital at Memorial Health. Also of note is our ‘Orchestral Lab,’ a program that exists in partnership with the Savannah Chatham Public Schools. We are very proud that the Savannah Philharmonic Orchestra is recognized as a valuable resource throughout the community."