NAMM Announces New Leadership for the Executive Committee

NAMM's governing body welcomes industry leaders to help fulfill its mission and guide the industry

NAMM Executive Committee 2023

The NAMM board of directors has elected a new executive committee to continue the organization’s legacy of service to NAMM members and the industry at large.
 
In a vote at the recent board meeting, Tom Sumner, president of Yamaha Corp. of America (and previously NAMM’s vice chair), was named chair of the NAMM board of directors. The board also elected Chris White, president of White House of Music, as vice chair, where he will serve in an ex officio role as chair of The NAMM Foundation board; Barbara Wight, chief financial officer of Taylor Guitars, as treasurer; and Whitney Brown Grisaffi, president of Ted Brown Music, as secretary of the executive committee.
 
“It’s been an honor to serve on NAMM’s executive committee for the last six years, and I’m thrilled to continue that work as chair during this pivotal moment in the industry,” said Sumner upon his election. “NAMM is dedicated to creating a more musical world. Going forward, it’s our goal to engage the industry and work together in achieving that vision.”
 
Sumner also welcomed Grisaffi to the executive committee. “Whitney’s deep industry knowledge, experience and servant leadership style will be the perfect complement to the NAMM executive committee. We’re so honored to welcome her and look forward to her contributions.”
 
“As a longtime NAMM member, I’m excited by the opportunity to serve the industry in this new role,” Grisaffi said. “I look forward to working with the board of directors in driving NAMM’s vision, mission and objectives — and contributing on behalf of all NAMM members globally.”
 
During the board meeting, the outgoing NAMM board chair and president of Menchey Music Services, Joel Menchey, was thanked for his eight years of leadership and service to the organization.
 
With the election, the NAMM executive committee retains its balanced composition of retail and commercial members in leadership roles to help the organization fulfill its mission. The appointments to the NAMM board of directors executive committee are effective now.
 
For additional information about the NAMM board of directors, please visit: https://www.namm.org/about/board-members.
 


Media Contacts
NAMM Communications - John Dolak, Director
johnd@namm.org
619.735.4028

VITTEK PR – Josh Vittek
josh@vittekpr.com
760.505.5674

The Lippin Group
namm@lippingroup.com
201.317.6618

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit trade association representing the $18.1 billion global music products industry, with a mission to strengthen the music industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music. Comprised of more than 9,000 member companies and individual professionals worldwide, NAMM supports an industry that employs more than 400,000 people globally. Through its programs, events and advocacy efforts, NAMM advances a shared vision of a thriving, innovative and inclusive music products industry where every person has access to the joy of music-making. NAMM also operates The NAMM Foundation, investing in the future of music through the support of education, global grantmaking and featured programs that expand participation in music across all ages and stages of life. Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., NAMM serves as a leading voice for the global music products industry through public policy, advocacy, education and other member services. For more information, visit NAMM.org, and learn more about NAMM’s Vision, Mission & Objectives at NAMM About Page.