Former ACM Executive Director Fran Boyd Passes Away

/by

Fran Boyd

Former Academy of Country Music (ACM) Executive Director Fran Boyd has passed away.

Boyd became the organization’s first paid employee when she was hired as an executive secretary in 1968. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, overseeing daily operations, serving as Talent Producer of the ACM Awards and maintaining oversight of virtually every aspect of the annual presentation. In 1995, following the passing of her husband Bill, who himself led the organization, Boyd was named Executive Director.

The ACM’s signature hat trophy was created the same year she joined, and throughout her tenure, Boyd saw the organization open its first office in Hollywood as well as refresh its name from the Academy of Country and Western Music to the Academy of Country Music in the early 1970s, and move the awards show to multiple famous California venues such as Disneyland, Universal Amphitheatre and Knott’s Berry Farm.

At the time of her retirement in 2002, she said, “I continue to be proud of all the Academy of Country Music has accomplished in my time. It has given me great joy to see so many young country artists rise from newcomers to having great careers. The Academy has helped music fans acknowledge country music as the enduring genre it deserves to be.”

ACM CEO Damon Whiteside shares, “Her tireless work and years of dedication to this organization, the country music industry and its artists cannot be overstated, and her legacy with the Academy will forever live on.”

“Fran Boyd played an essential part in the Academy’s history, stretching way back to the earliest days in the 1960s and steering the ship through decades of change, innovation and growth, all while fostering an incredible passion for country music,” says ACM Board Sergeant-At-Arms Gayle Holcomb. “Fran will always be remembered as a champion for our industry, its artists and this organization. On behalf of the ACM Officers and Board of Directors, I send our gratitude, prayers and condolences to the Boyd family.”

The organization shares that donations to Alive Hospice Nashville or the Alzheimer’s Association in Boyd’s honor are appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Liza Anderson
Latest posts by Liza Anderson (see all)