IBMA Reveals Graduating Class of 2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass
2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Graduates
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has revealed the IBMA Leadership Bluegrass graduating class of 2025. The three-day program invites participants to delve into interactive learning, assess the challenges and opportunities facing the bluegrass music industry and pursue leadership development. The event was hosted at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee from Mar. 10-12 with Jeff Westerinen and Maria Nadauld serving as the course facilitator and assistant facilitator, respectively.
The IBMA also recognizes the 2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Planning Committee composed of Greg Blake, Dustin Boyd, Casey Campbell, Stacy Chandler, Dave Howard, Jordan Laney and IBMA Staff Liaison Haley Grimm.
Participants for the program are chosen through a competitive application process and are a small sampling of current and future leaders from all over the U.S. and the world. Sponsors for the event include BMI and Leadership Bluegrass Alumni.
2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Graduates:
Katherine Bestwick – Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association (Zion Grove, PA)
Rick Brodsky – Rock Hearts (Bridgeport, CT)
Jennifer Brooke – Floyd Music School, LLC (Floyd, VA)
Pamela Brown – Oregon Bluegrass Association / Shaniko Music Sanctuary (Shaniko, OR)
Trudy Chandler – Nick Chandler and Delivered (Weaverville, NC)
Sofia Chiarandini – Jacob’s Ladder / Tufts University (Cambridge, MA)
Elizabeth Dewey – International Bluegrass Music Association (Nashville, TN)
Darren Eedens – Taff Rapids / Self (Cardiff, Wales)
Donna Harrison – Chattanooga Tourism Co. (Chattanooga, TN)
Jenny Hirt – Durango Bluegrass Meltdown / KSUT Public Radio (Durango, CO)
Sara Johnson – Vivid Events / Pickin’ In The Peaches Music Festival (Augusta, GA)
Ella Jordan – Ella Jordan Music (Nashville, TN)
Kirk Kenney – China Bluegrass Network (Shanghai, China)
Crystal Lariza – Never Come Down (Hood River, OR)
Jon Lundbom – Central Texas Bluegrass Association (Austin, TX)
Erin Moorman – Syntax Creative (Franklin, TN)
Robbie Morris – Grasstime (Nashville, TN)
Caroline Owens – Billy Blue Records / Billy Blue Publishing (Denton, NC)
Aynsley Porchak – East Tennessee State University (Gate City, VA)
Nancy Posey – Music In Community Network (Brentwood, TN)
Joshua Rilko – Touring Musician (Nashville, TN)
Erin Rouse – Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum (Owensboro, KY)
Mona Salyer – IBMA Foundation Board (Bristol, VA)
Danny Stewart Jr. – U.S. Navy Band / Turtle Hill Banjo Co. / Annapolis Bluegrass (Edgewater, MD)
Zachary Taylor – Planning Stages Inc. (Hixson, TN)
Ross Willits – Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (Roseville, MN)
