Leadership Music Reveals Class Of 2026

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Leadership Music has unveiled 46 new members for its class of 2026. The new members will embark on an eight month program beginning in October and gives a deep exploration into the music industry with cross-function understanding and networking.

“The Leadership Music selection committee is committed to assembling a group of distinguished professionals who not only excel in their fields but also represent the rich diversity of the music industry across the country. The Class of 2026 upholds this tradition, and we’re thrilled to welcome them this fall,” says Kelli Haywood, Leadership Music Past President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee.

Established in 1989, Leadership Music has hosted over 1,400 members and has brought together leaders from every industry sector.

“Each year, the selection committee approaches the process with intention and precision, carefully evaluating candidates based on their professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and community impact. Equally important is our commitment to building a class that reflects the diversity of the music industry,” adds Scott Gerow, Leadership Music Board President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee. “We’re incredibly proud of the exceptional individuals chosen for our 36th class and look forward to seeing how the Leadership Music Class of 2026 comes together and makes its mark.”

Leadership Music Class of 2026:
1. Charles Alexander, Founder/CEO, ViNIL & Launcher Music
2. Brendon Anthony, Vice President, Big Loud Texas (Austin, TX)
3. Aftyn Behn, State Representative, Tennessee General Assembly
4. Ben Carter, VP, Live Events & Production, Academy of Country Music
5. Thomas Clees, SVP, Federal Public Policy, RIAA (Washington, DC)
6. Brent Daughrity, National Dir. Music Entertainment, Gallagher
7. Sarah D’Hilly, Music Business Partnerships, Apple Music
8. Stevie Escoto, Senior Managing Director, Girlilla Marketing
9. Michael Farris, Sr. Director, Business Strategy and Insights, Country Music Association
10. Kerri Fox-Metoyer, Head of Entertainment Services, Gabb
11. Anna Frick, Mastering & Restoration Engineer, Ally Sound (Niwot, Colorado)
12. Eboni Funderburk, Founder & CEO, EFG Promotions & Consulting
13. Alex Hall, Singer/Songwriter, Blue Harbor Publishing
14. Mathias John, Principal Designer, The Intellectual Phase Design Group
15. Ashley Joyce, SVP, Legal & Business Affairs, National Music Publishers’ Association (Washington, DC)
16. Joe Keeley, Principal, Keeley Law and Policy (Washington, DC)
17. Lauren Kilgore, SVP, Legal and Business Affairs, Sony Music Nashville
18. Sam Kling, Chief Creative Officer, SESAC Performing Rights (Santa Monica, CA)
19. Anna Kolander, Senior Artist Manager/Head of A&R, Activist Artists Management
20. Lee Krabel, Senior Vice President, SMACKSongs
21. Betsy Lamb, Contractor, Nashville String Machine
22. Michelle Lewis, CEO, Songwriters of North America (SONA)/The SONA Foundation (Encino, CA)
23. Wayne Linder, Chief Sales Officer, Pioneer Coach
24. Sloane Logue, Partner – Head of Client Strategy, WME
25. Zebb Luster, Executive Vice President & Artist Manager, River House Artists
26. Fount Lynch, SVP, Publicity, Warner Music Nashville
27. Xenia Manning, Director of Global Music Policy, Spotify (Washington, DC)
28. Rick Marshall, General Counsel, The MLC
29. Maynard, EVP Programming, iHeartMedia
30. Marne McLyman, Manager, Maverick Nashville
31. Rev. Moose, Managing Partner/Co-Founder, Marauder (New York, NY)
32. Kiely Mosiman, Agent, Wasserman Music
33. Katie Neal, Host of Katie & Company, Audacy
34. Mallory Pascal, Partner/Business Manager, KBFM, LLC
35. Jason Plum, Relationship Manager & Vice President, City National Bank
36. Keyana Pusey, VP and Assistant General Counsel for Intellectual Property, National Association of Broadcasters (Washington, DC)
37. Shawn Radley, Partner / Lead Buyer, Kendall Booking (Cambridge, MA)
38. Rachel Rodriguez, CEO/Artistic Director, RR Productions
39. Marc Rucker, Associate Director, Artist & Industry Relations, SoundExchange
40. Eric Scott, EVP, Rights & Royalties, BMG
41. Emily Stephenson, President, Downtown Music Publishing
42. Bryan Todd, Owner | Producer | Songwriter, BT MUSIC, LLC
43. Dave Tough, Professor, Audio Engineering Technology, Belmont University
44. Jeff vom Saal, Chief Operating Officer, Nashville Symphony
45. Reid Wick, Director, Regional Advocacy & Member Engagement, The Recording Academy (New Orleans, LA)
46. Carin Zaleski, Director of Development, Ryan Seacrest Foundation

Madison Hahnen
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