The International Bluegrass Music Association has announced that Dan Hays, their Executive Director for 21 years, is resigning his position effective February 29, 2012.
Hays has served since 1990 when the organization was based in Owensboro, KY and was instrumental in facilitating its move to Nashville in 2003. In announcing his decision, he says that he feels the best interests of the IBMA suggest that new leadership is due.
“Bluegrass has achieved amazing and very different kinds of success over each of the last seven decades. Today, bluegrass is poised to reach new heights, and IBMA has embarked on the challenge of reinventing itself in an age of major change in the entertainment world. I’m fully in support of IBMA addressing the challenges of this era and have given my best to help set the stage for another positive evolution.
Approaching 2012, IBMA is poised to open doors to a new generation of opportunities – in creativity, in how we do business, and in how we connect with fans. The role of the Executive Director will be critical, not only in helping us to walk through those doors, but in solidifying and strengthening the emerging roles for the organization in coming years. It’s exciting to be where we are and, in my judgment, this is an opportune time for a leadership transition.”
A letter from Hays to the IBMA membership is available online, in which he states:
“Approaching 2012, IBMA is poised to open doors to a new generation of opportunities – in creativity, in how we do business, and in how we connect with fans. The role of the Executive Director will be critical, not only in helping us to walk through those doors, but in solidifying and strengthening the emerging roles for the organization in coming years. It’s exciting to be where we are and, in my judgment, this is an opportune time for a leadership transition.
IBMA will find it easier to communicate changes in the industry and its role with a new staff leader, someone less identified with what we have been and what we have achieved in the past. It’s also time for me to explore the next stage of my own career and I look forward to discovering what that chapter will bring once my work here is done.
To be entrusted with the responsibilities of this position and welcomed into the family of our music has been a genuine blessing throughout the years. I will be leaving with more appreciation than can be expressed for current and former board leaders, volunteers, members, staff and other supporters. Nothing I may have contributed could have been accomplished without your commitment.”
The Executive Director is a staff position, serving at the pleasure of the IBMA Board of Directors. More details about the search for a new ED will be announced soon.
