Our Story is Our Community.

Located just 5 blocks from Ocala’s Historic Downtown Square in picturesque Tuscawilla Park, the Reilly Arts Center is Ocala’s home for the arts and live entertainment. Featuring state-of-the-art acoustics and production equipment, the 705-seat venue hosts an eclectic assortment of events, concerts, meetings, and parties and has become a hub for the arts in Ocala.

In addition to being the home of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and producing local, regional and national acts, as the new flagship center for arts and culture in Ocala, the Reilly is committed to being an active and accessible venue in our community.

The Community Music Conservatory, located at the Reilly Arts Center, launched in Spring 2022. The conservatory features multiple teaching studios, professional staff and faculty, and performance spaces that include the 700-seat mainstage auditorium and NOMA Black Box. Conservatory programming includes group classes and private instruction designed for students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The Conservatory, which launched programming in Spring 2022, is managed by the team at the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and is committed to fostering an environment of creativity, life-long learning, and quality instruction.

Our Venue

The Reilly Arts Center has two theatres, the Reilly Mainstage and NOMA Black Box – it is also home to the Community Music Conservatory. The Reilly also operates the historic downtown movie theatre, The Marion Theatre located at 50 South Magnolia, Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471.

Our Team

Matthew Wardell

Matthew Wardell

CEO and Artistic Director

MATTHEW WARDELL (b. 1983) began his tenure as Music Director and Conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra in 2009. When appointed Music Director of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, the Ocala Star Banner declared, “Wardell brings an impressive resume of musical and conducting training … Maybe more important than his musical credentials is Wardell’s youthful enthusiasm and unabashed zest … Wardell is not only a daring and dynamic choice as the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s new conductor, but a smart one.”

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Wardell began his undergraduate work in percussion and composition at the University of Florida and received his Bachelor of Music cum laude at the University of North Florida working under Charlotte Mabrey. Wardell continued his education by earning a Master of Music at the University of Florida and is currently completing his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree there with his mentor, Raymond Chobaz. Wardell has served as a guest conductor with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Gainesville Orchestra, Florida Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Ocala Civic Theatre. In addition to purely orchestral pursuits, he thrives in the theatre and has appeared as conductor for the fully staged productions of A Little Night Music, La BohèmeToscaThe Miraculous MandarinPhantom of the OperaSusannahThe ImpresarioDido and AeneasDie FledermausSunday in the Park with George, and Camelot. As a composer, Wardell wrote music for the award-winning NPR podcast, Odd Ball, and co-wrote a new full-length score to the 1923 silent film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Wardell spent five summers at the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors and Orchestra Musicians in Hancock, Maine studying with Maestro Michael Jinbo. He was fortunate to have been recognized as both an Osher and Quimby Family Foundation scholar and serve several summers in Hancock as an Orchestra Assistant. Wardell has been selected and participated in masterclasses with Keith Lockhart of the Boston Pops and BBC Orchestra, Thomas Cockrell of the University of Arizona, and studied for an extended time with conductor and composer Peter WesenAuer in Salzburg, Austria.

Matthew is a champion of all kinds of music. He believes programming traditionally core repertoire hand in hand with underrepresented composers and new music believing that good music is just that – good music. He is a member of the American Symphony Orchestra League and has served on the boards of the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission (OMAC), Young Professionals of Ocala (YPO), and The Centers. In addition to his musical pursuits, Wardell is passionate about being involved in his community and served six years as an elected official on Ocala’s City Council from 2015 to 2021. He enjoys traveling, good company, and attending Jacksonville Jaguars games – and even once attended a game that the Jaguars won. In 2019, he married the love of his life and partner, Pamela Calero. Matthew and Pamela have one dog, Buckley, who is probably up to no good at this very moment.

Pamela Calero Wardell

Pamela Calero Wardell

Executive Director

Casey Fritz

Casey Fritz

Director of Venue Operations

Sarah Sherman

Sarah Sherman

Director of Business Administration

Vince Megale

Vince Megale

Production Director

Adam Volpe

Adam Volpe

Director, Marion Theatre Operations

Margaret Dixon

Margaret Dixon

Director of Education and Community Outreach

Margaret Dixon began her relationship with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra in 2010 as a hornist on stage, but she quickly took on additional roles with the ensemble. In 2016, Margaret assumed leadership of the orchestra’s Symphony for Schools Program, helping it grow to reach over thirty Marion County Schools. In 2019, her duties expanded to include the positions of Librarian and Personnel Manager of the Orchestra, and in 2021 she was appointed Director of Education and Community Outreach for the Reilly Arts Center.

Margaret has a great passion for teaching and spreading the joy of music, especially to youth and underserved communities, and having her own music school has been a dream of hers for the last decade. Music is such a natural and human form of expression, and it opens the door to such a wealth of opportunities. From traveling the world performing to singing holiday tunes with your family, the possibilities and reach of music are endless and should be available for everyone. Margaret’s philosophy is that anyone can learn music, regardless of age, experience, background, socio-economic status, or physical or mental ability. You dont have to be great to enjoy making music, you only have to be willing to try. Music creates deeper personal connections, encourages community, builds confidence, inspires creativity, and even has mental and physical health benefits.

Margaret is still an active performer and music educator. She holds the Principal Horn position in The Gainesville Orchestra, the Second Horn position in the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, and she is a well-known and regularly requested performer throughout North-Central Florida. She has also performed with Orchestras in the surrounding states, recorded with Carl Fischer and the Trade Winds Ensemble, and has played in numerous performances around the world.

Margaret has a successful private studio of students of varying abilities and age ranges, and she currently holds the position of Adjunct Professor of Horn for the College of Central Florida. She provides group coaching at several local middle and high schools, and she has worked extensively with local collegiate institutions, including Santa Fe College, College of Central Florida, and the University of Florida. Margaret’s younger students are typically the top performers in their county and in the state, many have received college scholarships and have gone on to pursue successful careers in music performance and education. Her adult students are all active players in their respective communities, and they always have a great time!

Margaret’s business experience includes several years managing the former music school and retail store Great Southern Music. It was in this position that Margaret honed her leadership, organization, and communication skills, and learned first hand the pitfalls of the typical music school.

Margaret has had the privilege of studying with some of the finest horn players in the country, including renowned teachers and performers Lowell Greer, Michelle Stebleton, Michelle Baker, Joseph Anderer, and Robert Watt. Margaret holds a Bachelor’s in Music from the University of Alabama where she studied with Professor Charles “Skip” Snead, and a Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Florida where she studied with Dr. Paul Basler.

Leighton Okus

Leighton Okus

Business Development Manager

Savannah Silliman

Savannah Silliman

Marketing Manager

Emma Watson

Emma Watson

Assistant Theatre Manager, Marion Theatre

Mary Kelley Hoppe

Mary Kelley Hoppe

Patron Relations Manager

Vickie Doss

Vickie Doss

Hospitality Coordinator

Savannah Bagby

Savannah Bagby

Production Coordinator

Jacob Korynta

Jacob Korynta

Production Assistant

Tim Bell

Tim Bell

Production Assistant

Alejandra Lopez

Alejandra Lopez

Concessionist, Marion Theatre

Forrest Andre

Forrest Andre

Box Office Assistant, Marion Theatre

London Stewart

London Stewart

Box Office Assistant, Reilly Arts Center

Robert French

Robert French

Box Office Assistant, Reilly Arts Center

Elena Richardson

Elena Richardson

Marketing Assistant

Elizabeth Martinez

Elizabeth Martinez

Concessionist, Marion Theatre

Our Board of Directors

The Reilly Arts Center is governed by a board of directors, and serves on behalf of the membership to ensure that the organization operates within the bylaws and other policies of the corporation. Each director supports the Reilly Arts Center through their time, talents and treasure on an annual basis.

Emeritus members include Robert Reilly, Morris Dittman and Paulette Millhorn.

R.J. Jenkins

R.J. Jenkins

Chair

Tom Dobbins

Tom Dobbins

Board Member

Sonya Nasser

Sonya Nasser

Board Member

Rick Kravetz

Rick Kravetz

Board Member

Angie Lewis

Angie Lewis

Vice Chair

Mike Mangan

Mike Mangan

Secretary

Mike Mangan is a native of Ocala and has resided in his hometown for much of his adult life. He is a graduate of Forest High School and completed his education as a graduate of the College of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. For more than 25 years he was the co-owner and President of George Mangan Insurance. After leaving the insurance industry, Mike’s career path led him to his current position with Duke Energy. As a member of the Duke Energy Large Accounts team he is responsible for the relationships with governmental and industrial customers over a six-county territory throughout Central Florida.

   Mike has always valued the importance of community service and his past involvement has included serving terms on the board of directors of the College of Central Florida Foundation, the former Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, as well as being past president of the Metropolitan Ocala Rotary Club.

   Mike and his wife Amy are approaching their 30th wedding anniversary and have a son Griffin and daughter Gillian. They also have two very spoiled Lhasa Poo dogs – Lucy and Lizzy – who keep the nest from feeling too empty. In his spare time, Mike enjoys travel, hiking and walking, and reading a good detective novel or historical fiction. And most evenings include listening to the music of John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Pat Matheny.

David Midgett

David Midgett

Treasurer

William Nassal

William Nassal

Board Member

Bill Nassal is the Chairman and Founder of The Companies of Nassal based in Orlando/Los Angeles. He is a graduate architect of Kent State University and a graduate engineer of New York State University. He has been a board member with the OSO for 13 years, and is the immediate past president. He has also served as past president for the Orlando Philharmonic and past board member of the Orlando Ballet.

Nick Robinson

Nick Robinson

Board Member

Rebecca Rogers

Rebecca Rogers

Board Member

Rebecca currently serves as the Executive Director of Circle Square Foundation and The Colen Family Charitable Trust.  These private operating foundations primarily focus on educational, health, and recreational initiatives.  She is the former Director of Philanthropy at Hospice of Marion County from 2015-2019 leading all fundraising efforts for end of life care.

 

Rebecca is presently a member of the Ocala Women’s Network and has served as a Board Member for Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection where she led the Fundraising Committee for her 3-year term.  She is a member of the Non-Profit Business Council and was a Forum Member of the National Healthcare Philanthropy Initiative.

Rebecca has been a Program Presenter at the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association and earned her CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) certification in October of 2018.  Additionally, Rebecca sits on the Ocala Aquatics Board of Directors.  

 

Rebecca is a ‘curious’ musician who loves many genres of music and still plays her baby grand piano every day.  She is married to Steve and together they have 3 adult (!) children and 1 Australian Shepherd.

Naaz Samji Saju

Naaz Samji Saju

Board Member

Naaz Samji Saju

Born in Kenya, Naaz spent her childhood and formative years in East Africa. She moved to Boston where she completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Naaz moved to Ocala, Florida in 2004 after her marriage. She continued her career as a clinical pharmacist, which she still practices at AdventHealth Ocala. She also immersed herself into the hospitality world of the family hotel business. That business has now grown to become HDG Hotels, where Naaz is currently an investment partner.

Having an unwavering commitment to serving others, Naaz has led youth and community development for the Ismaili Center in Boston and Ocala for the past 25 years. She currently serves as a board member of the Aga Khan Foundation in Florida.

Bert Smith

Bert Smith

Board Member

The Associate Board

In 2017, the Reilly Arts Center established the Associate Board. The Associate Board is comprised of community members, 21-45, with a strong passion for growing the reach of the Reilly Arts Center and Ocala Symphony Orchestra. The three main focuses of the board are:

1) Build and engage audiences that are 21-45 years old
2) Support Youth Outreach initiatives
3) Support and grow opportunities for family activities at the Reilly Arts Center

Kaitlyn Butler

Kaitlyn Butler

Member

Caly Bryan

Caly Bryan

Member

Caly Bryan is a local singer-songwriter specializing in stripped-down acoustic performances. During the week, she works full time as Chief Operating Officer at Angie Lewis State Farm. Caly also serves on the board for YPO (Young Professionals Ocala) and is passionate about enriching our community through music and art.

Hilary A.C. Hoover

Hilary A.C. Hoover

Member

Hilary A.C. Hoover is a Speech Language Pathologist who works at Marion County Public Schools and has a growing private practice. She supports local art and community organizations as a member of the Appleton Museum of Art, volunteer for Couch Sessions, and supports the Kimberly Center.

Favorite Album:
Classic- Fleetwood Mac – “Rumors”
Guilty Pleasure- Kesha – “Rainbow”

Lauren Debick

Lauren Debick

Member

Lauren is currently the Community Engagement Director for Marion County Public Schools. She serves on the Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Board as the Accreditation Chair, is a board member for United Way of Marion County, a member of the board of the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida and serves on the Marion County Litter Task Force.

Kaycie Hartley

Kaycie Hartley

Member

Kaycie Hartley is a chiropractor, anatomy professor, wife to James and mother to two sons. She is also an active member of Junior League Ocala. Her hobbies include yard-saling and keeping her plants alive. She enjoys family time, traveling and good coffee.

Krista Ingrilli

Krista Ingrilli

Member

Krista is the Director of Sales for the Springhill Suites by Marriott Ocala- one of 21 hotels in the HDG portfolio. Krista also runs her own flower company, Eufloria Flower Cart. Krista currently holds a position with the United Way on the PR + Marketing Committee.

Tony Ortiz

Tony Ortiz

Member

David Ruetter

David Ruetter

Member

Originally from Iowa, David has lived in Ocala for 13 years.  He is the Registrar at the Appleton Museum of Art.  In addition to the Reilly Associate Board he also serves on the FAFO board and the Ocala Municipal Arts Commission.  In his free time he enjoys painting, distance running, and drinking beer, though usually not at the same time.

Teddy Sykes

Teddy Sykes

Member

Teddy Sykes is a local artist and IT professional who has lived in the Ocala area most of his life. He also serves on boards for FAGO and YPO and is very involved in community events. He is a huge supporter of Ocala’s art and music scene and most of his free time is spent downtown supporting local businesses.

Hannah Whitston

Hannah Whitston

Junior Music Makers

Hannah is a music educator at Madison Street Academy. She serves as Vice President of the Marion County Music Association, FMEA (Florida Music Education Association) member and a board member of FAFO. Hannah also directs several after-school music ensembles and produces performances with her student groups. Hannah has worked as a mentor at Madison Street and has also worked with local high school marching band programs.