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.

Haily Harris

Haily Harris has joined Combustion Music as Creative Manager.

Harris attended Belmont University in the Music Business program and was hired as Creative Manager of Wrensong Entertainment following her graduation in December 2024. In her first year at Wrensong, she landed a cut on Emily Ann Roberts with “Come Home To You.” Harris also took on the role of Creative Consultant at Jody Williams Songs in 2025 while continuing her role at Wrensong. During that same period, she also served as the Award Show Coordinator for the Association of Independent Music Publishers.

“Haily is wise beyond her years, and I am certain she will prove to be a true difference maker in the coming years….Couldn’t be happier to have her on board,” says Combustion Music President Chris Farren.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Combustion team,” says Harris. “What Chris, Falcon, Keithan, and Kelly have built here is truly inspiring – they champion music they’re passionate about and consistently think outside the box. I’ve long been a fan of these artists and writers, so to now be trusted with their songs is an incredible honor.”

Pictured (L-R): Jordan Policastri, Gordon S. Kerr, Kellie LaJack, Grace Watson, Tanya Schrage, Brendan Rich, Dawn Delvo, Matt Stell, Doug Johnson, Rick Froio, Aaron Steinberg and Chase Miller. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Matt Stell has signed Black River Entertainment.

“I knew I wanted to sign with Black River Entertainment from the first time we all met,” shares Stell. “I’ve been blown away by their culture, character and support from the get-go. I think we were sold on each other very quickly, which is why this deal happened at warp speed. It’s already a great fit and I’m so excited about what the future has in store for all of us.”

The Arkansas native has amassed over 1.1 billion global streams and earned two chart-toppers at country radio with the double-Platinum hit “Prayed For You” and Platinum certified “Everywhere But On.” Stell will release “Better Angels” with Ne-Yo this Friday (May 29), his first track on the label.

“From the moment we started hanging out with Matt, it didn’t take long for us to see he belongs at Black River,” shares Gordon S. Kerr, CEO of Black River. “He’s an incredible artist with a unique voice and a vision for where he wants to go and now, we are proud to be part of that journey.”

“Matt is a fantastic artist and is surrounded by a great team, led by Brendan Rich. We’re all so excited about his new music and our future together,” adds Black River EVP Rick Froio.

Julia Cole has released her new album Love You To Death.

“This album is the most honest version of me,” she shares. “I want these songs to be what you can lean on through life’s ups and downs — just like the friends who hype you up, cry with you, and celebrate every win with you. That’s what Sisterhood Country is.”

The 14-track project was written alongside Andrew Beason, Cole Miracle, Danielle Blakey, Willie Morrison, Trent Wayne, Canaan Smith and more. Produced by Josh Ronen and Cole, the album explores heartbreak, life, celebrations and more.

Cole has amassed more than 700 million on-demand streams and built a following of over 3 million across platforms. She has shared stages with artists including Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis and Dierks Bentley.

Cole is currently on her “Love You To Death Tour” through October.