IBMA Welcomes Four New Board Members

/by

The International Bluegrass Music Association has welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors: Amanda Cook, Kristy Cox, Austin Scelzo and Gary Upton. 

Representing Artists, Composers and Music Publishers, Cook is an artist, producer and music executive whose career bridges both stage and studio. She founded The Amanda Cook Band in 2014, which continues to tour full time. In 2019, Cook joined Mountain Fever Records as a sound engineer and producer, and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2022, helping shape the label’s creative direction, expand its roster and strengthen its release strategy. In August 2025, she became the label’s owner.

At Large Board Member Cox has emerged as a leading voice in both the Australian and American bluegrass scenes. She began her career in Australia before rising to prominence in the U.S. with multiple Billboard-topping releases. Her latest album, Let It Burn, blends traditional bluegrass with gospel influences and earned a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Bluegrass chart. A longtime collaborator with songwriter and producer Jerry Salley, Cox has received six CMAA Golden Guitar Awards for Bluegrass Recording of the Year, including a 2023 win for “Good Morning Moon.”

Representing Associations, Scelzo is a performer, educator, and advocate who founded the Connecticut Bluegrass Association and performs with the Rock Hearts Band and On the Trail. He serves as Program Director of Bluegrass and Old-Time Music at The Granite community arts venue in Connecticut. A graduate of the 2023 Leadership Bluegrass program, he was named a “Connecticut Arts Hero” for his contributions to music and community advocacy. He also received the 2025 IBMA Momentum Industry Involvement award.  A former public school orchestra teacher, Scelzo continues to teach at camps and youth programs and also works with the IBMA Foundation as a clinician and shares educational resources on his website, blog, YouTube Channel, and singbluegrassharmony.com.

Merchandisers & Luthiers Board Member Upton is the founder of the Upton Bass String Instrument Company, a leading American maker of double basses known for blending traditional craftsmanship with modern performance needs. An active New England bluegrass bassist, Upton performs with Beyond Dixon and throughout the regional acoustic music scene, bringing a working musician’s perspective to instrument design, tone development, and artist support. He has also contributed to the arts through leadership and advisory roles in nonprofit and educational settings, including the International Society of Bassists and regional symphony boards.

The new board members will begin their terms in June 2026.

Lorie Hollabaugh
Latest posts by Lorie Hollabaugh (see all)