Director of Archives:
Stephen Aron
Convention Manager:
Matthew Cochran studied at the Eastman School of Music with Nicholas Goluses, and at Florida State University, where he received his Doctor of Music Degree with Bruce Holzman. As a founding member of the Tantalus Quartet, he has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He currently teaches at Darton College in Albany, Georgia, and has directed a pre-college Classical Guitar Program at Palmer Trinity School in Miami, FL. Matthew joined the GFA as Convention Manager in June, 2007.
Competition Director:
Jeff Cogan has directed the Guitar Foundation of America international guitar competition since 1987. During that time the competition has become one of the most prestigious events of its kind. This annual competition has been held in 20 different locations since 1983 including New Orleans, Charleston, Montreal, Merida and Quebec City. He is also the program director for the Orange County Guitar Circle. Mr. Cogan's work in the school of music at Chapman University has won praise for him and his students alike. He is director of guitar studies and music technology as well as frequent performer in many of the school of music concerts.
Soundboard Editor:
Richard Long
General Manager:
Martha Masters studied at the Peabody Conservatory with Manuel Barrueco, and at the University of Southern California, where she completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree with Scott Tennant. Martha's international performing career began after winning the GFA International Competition in 2000; she now teaches at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, in addition to being Assistant Director of the National Guitar Workshop Classical Summit in Connecticut. Martha joined the Board of Directors in January 2004, was elected Executive Vice-President in June 2004, and was appointed General Manager in July 2005.
Director of Membership and Development:
Stephen Mattingly is an instructor and directs guitar studies at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada. As a founding member of the Tantalus Quartet, he has learned to work well with other guitarists. Stephen has studied at the Eastman School of Music with Nicholas Goluses, the Hochschule für Musik Detmold with Dale Kavanagh, and at the Florida State University, where he received his Doctor of Music with Bruce Holzman. Stephen joined the GFA as Development Director in September 2007.
Tour Director:
Lynn McGrath is a member of the guitar faculty at the Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2006 from the University of Southern California, where she studied with William Kanengiser, Pepe Romero, and James Smith. Lynn has performed as a soloist and ensemble member in the United States, Mexico, and Italy with upcoming performances in Spain and Montenegro. In July of 2005 Lynn became the Tour Director of the GFA.
Advertising Manager:
Kim Horlick Petty has a degree in Graphic Design and is completing a degree in Art History. Her role as graphic designer has encompassed many areas of the field of graphic design, including design, production, sales, and publishing. Kim's connection to the classical guitar world came about through her son William's talent on guitar and her love of music. She joined the GFA as Advertising Manager in January 2005.
Webmaster:
Hayden Porter
Archivist:
Russell Tinkham, University of Akron
Operations Manager:
Jill Winchell studied at California State University, Fullerton, where she completed her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in classical guitar performance under the instruction of David Grimes and Richard Turner. Jill currently teaches guitar at Long Beach City College. She has been Operations Manager of the Guitar Foundation of America since 2003.
