T.J. Martell Foundation Celebrates 50 Years

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The T.J. Martell Foundation is commemorating 50 years of bringing together the music industry in the battle against cancer and fueling groundbreaking progress in research and patient care. Created by music executive Tony Martell in honor of his son, T.J., the organization has supported research that has driven some of the most significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Steve Gawley, Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs and Business Development at REPUBLIC Collective, will serve as the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the foundation. Gawley will shape the foundation’s future with a vision focused on four core pillars; boosting financial sustainability and fundraising innovation, expanding research funding, evolving the brand to remain at the forefront of music culture and strengthening leadership while engaging the next generation.

“For 50 years, the T.J. Martell Foundation has been at the intersection of music and medicine, turning passion into progress.” shares Gawley. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead to a future where every dollar raised, and every partnership formed brings us closer to a cure.”

“Steve Gawley’s leadership is shaping the next era of our mission,” adds Lynn-Anne Huck, CEO of The T.J. Martell Foundation. “His ability to unite people, build partnerships, and drive innovation ensures we are not just preserving a legacy—we are creating a future where groundbreaking cancer research thrives.”

Combining the power of music and community, the foundation’s Board of Trustees, comprised of leaders from record labels, publishing, management, live entertainment, streaming, media and brand partnerships, has been vital in advancing its mission.

Additional members of the foundation’s executive committee includes Scott Borchetta (Big Machine Label Group), Tom Corson (Warner Records), John Esposito (Executive Chairman), Avery Lipman (REPUBLIC Collective), Joe Schmidt (REPUBLIC Collective), Daniel Glass (Glassnote Entertainment Group), Jeffrey Harleston (Universal Music Group), Michael Huppe (Sound Exchange), Rich Isaacson (R I Entertainment), Michael Kushner (Warner Music Group), Dennis Lord (Attorney), Marc Reiter (Metallica), Darren Stupak (Sony Music Entertainment), Julie Swidler (Sony Music Entertainment), Andy Tavel (Raines Feldman Littrell LLP) and Ron Wilcox (MD Consulting, Treasurer).

“The music industry thrives on discovering and nurturing new talent before the world knows their name,” continues Gawley. “We must take the same approach to cancer research—funding the boldest, most promising ideas to help drive them toward mainstream solutions that will benefit anyone who suffers from this terrible disease. With its leadership deeply engaged, the T.J. Martell Foundation continues to expand its impact, funding the next wave of cutting-edge cancer research and providing hope to patients and families around the world.”

To celebrate its 5o years, the foundation will host an array of events supporting cancer research. Fundraising dinners will take place on April 22 at the Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza in Nashville and May 22 at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California.

The annual New York Honors Gala will take place on Sept. 16 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, celebrating 50 years of impact, funding breakthroughs and showcasing industry leaders who have supported the mission.

Madison Hahnen
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