Cassie Wright Appointed Executive Director At IBMA Foundation

/by

Cassie Wright

Cassie Wright has been named the next Executive Director of The IBMA Foundation, effective April 1. Current Executive Director Nancy Cardwell is retiring after 10 years with the IBMA Foundation and 20 years at the International Bluegrass Music Association.

Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Wright is a banjo, Dobro player, and co-leader of Fox Crossing Stringband. A 2024 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass program graduate, Wright is a member of the Northern Illinois Bluegrass Association board of directors, and has served as a cultural diplomat on U.S. State Department tours to Kazakhstan and Mexico with the Bluegrass Ambassadors. She also oversees the Bluegrass Chicago website, which promotes live bluegrass and old-time music across the region.

Wright has over 15 years of experience leading programs and operations for nonprofit and government partners in public health, housing, and education sectors, including her time as Senior Director of Operations for Education Development Center. She has a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy from the University of Nebraska, Omaha, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from DePaul University, and a Project Management Certification from Cornell University, College of Engineering.

“I have spent my career at the intersection of nonprofit work and bluegrass music because I truly believe in the power of this community,” says Wright. “I’m so excited to put that experience to work as we expand the reach and impact of the music that means so much to all of us. Nancy Cardwell and the Board of Directors have led the way with remarkable work, and I am honored to build on that foundation as we start this next chapter together.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cassie Wright as our next executive director,” shares Trisha Tubbs, President and board chair of the IBMA Foundation. “Our work thrives on relationships—with generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and trusted community partners, along with a shared passion for bluegrass music. Cassie deeply understands this and brings valuable experience and commitment to advancing our mission and growth. We also extend heartfelt gratitude to Nancy Cardwell as she retires, honoring her years of dedicated service, integrity, and leadership that have strengthened our community and shaped the Foundation’s success.”

“I am pleased to pass the torch to Cassie Wright, and I look forward to witnessing what can be accomplished in the next ten years,” adds Cardwell. “I will continue to support the IBMA Foundation (formerly the Foundation for Bluegrass Music) from the sidelines, as they continue the important work of making the future of bluegrass music brighter.”

Madison Hahnen
Latest posts by Madison Hahnen (see all)