MARTHA GILMER, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Martha A. Gilmer has been a leading force in American orchestral life for over 45 years. Since 2014, she has served as President and CEO of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, where her strategic vision, lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence, and deep commitment to community have ushered in a transformative era for the organization.

Under her leadership, the Symphony has experienced a dynamic evolution. She worked with the Board of Directors to undertake three key advancements that would position the organization as both a civic cornerstone and an artistic leader. She appointed Rafael Payare as Music Director, spearheaded the opening of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park™—a landmark outdoor venue on San Diego’s waterfront—and oversaw the renovation of the historic Jacobs Music Center.

Gilmer collaborated with the Port of San Diego to develop The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Lauded as a major civic and cultural achievement, the venue has drawn record-breaking audiences and established a lasting presence on the city skyline. “The Future is Hear” campaign raised over $120 million to fund the construction and for other artistic initiatives.

She also led a $125 million renovation of Jacobs Music Center, reimagining it as a vibrant home for live music. Reopened in September 2024, the venue is now aesthetically beautiful and acoustically excellent. With a goal of improving the hall for the musicians and audience, Jacobs Music Center has improved sightlines, leading-edge technology, a reconfigured stage, a new choral terrace, and expanded musician support spaces—all while honoring the building’s historic architecture.

Throughout her tenure, Gilmer has called for the orchestra to be part of the fabric of San Diego region. Programs such as the Music Connects initiative reflect the Symphony’s commitment to serving diverse communities across San Diego. These initiatives bring music to those who may not otherwise experience it—including hospital patients, active military, veterans and their families, as well as incarcerated men and women. Through the High School Ambassadors program, the orchestra seeks to empower young leaders through mentorship and exposure to the tremendous undertaking of bringing a concert concept to reality.

A champion of contemporary music and cross-cultural exchange, Gilmer has brought internationally acclaimed artists to San Diego, commissioned new works by a wide range of composers, and helped launch the California Festival—a statewide celebration of music exploring global themes such as climate change and migration. As noted by Los Angeles Times critic Mark Swed, the San Diego Symphony is now “in the California orchestra vanguard,” alongside the Los Angeles Philharmonic and San Francisco Symphony.

When Gilmer came to San Diego, she was particularly captivated by the proximity to the U.S./Mexico border. This led to expanded binational engagement with cross-border master classes, interactive performances on both sides of the U.S. and Mexico Border, including a 2023 Día de los Muertos performance at CECUT, Mexico’s national cultural center in Tijuana.

Prior to joining the San Diego Symphony, Gilmer spent 35 years with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, ultimately serving as Vice President for Artistic Planning and Audience Development. There, she built lasting relationships with many of the world’s foremost artists and was Executive Producer of Beyond the Score with Creative Director Gerard McBurney, an acclaimed multimedia concert series that reached new audiences around the globe.

Gilmer’s achievements have earned broad recognition. She was honored as the 2025 Director of the Year by the Corporate Directors Forum, named a 2024 Cool Women honoree by the Girl Scouts of San Diego, received the Moving San Diego Forward Award from the Regional Chamber of Commerce, and was included in Musical America’s Top 30 Professionals of the Year in 2021. The Rady Shell was also honored with the Cultural Vitality Award by the Downtown San Diego Partnership.

She currently serves on the boards of the Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Tourism Authority, Solti Foundation, League of American Orchestras, and the Mayor’s Civic Revitalization Committee.

A graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Music, Gilmer is a dedicated alumna. She served on the Dean Search Committee, gave the 2000 commencement address, and is a recipient of the School’s Alumni Award. She continues to write and speak widely on music and arts leadership.