Nancy Cardwell Named IBMA Executive Director

The International Bluegrass Music Association Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Nancy Cardwell as the organization’s Executive Director.

“After an extensive selection process that began with more than 65 applications for the position, the Board concluded that Nancy brings the right mix of skills to the table and will be able to take the organization to the next level of success,” said Board chair Stan Zdonik.

Cardwell has been serving as the organization’s interim Executive Director since early March 2012, and previously served as IBMA’s Special Projects Director for 17 years. Prior to joining the IBMA, she served as a Spanish and English teacher, and also spent time as a freelance journalist in Branson, Mo., and Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Her book The Words & Music of Dolly Parton, Country’s Iron Butterfly, was published in 2011.

“It’s an honor to continue to serve on the IBMA team in this new role as we work together for the future of bluegrass music,” Cardwell said. “I’m blessed with a creative and hard-working staff and board of directors, as well as a community of members from across the country and around the globe, who are passionate about the greatest music in the world. I look forward to seeing many of you at World of Bluegrass in Nashville, Tenn. Sept. 24-30, at our annual Business Conference/ Awards Show/ Bluegrass Fan Fest/ Music Family Reunion!”

Congratulate her at nancyc@ibma.org.