NAMM Announces New Leadership Teams For Women of NAMM and NAMM Young Professionals

CARLSBAD, CALIF., July 30, 2025 – NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global non-profit music trade organization, has announced today that NAMM YP and WoN have each elected new members of their leadership teams, effective immediately. Both leadership teams will provide oversight, support and collaboration for NAMM’s illustrious and fastest-growing groups while aligning with NAMM’s overall vision, mission and objectives.  

“NAMM is grateful to the talented industry professionals that continue to volunteer their time to lead these valuable groups serving NAMM members and the overall music industry,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO.

A Snapshot of the New NAMM YP Executive Committee Leadership Team

• NAMM Young Professionals has announced its new executive committee, effective immediately

• Erin Kessler, marketing director at Maple Leaf Strings, as president 

• Scott Rife, regional sales director at Eastman Music Co., as vice president 

• Matthew Kennedy, director of strategic initiatives at C.F. Martin & Co., Inc., as secretary-treasurer  

Kessler, newly elected president of NAMM YP executive committee, elaborated on her vision for the group within the global music industry:

“Being part of NAMM YP during the last few years has been incredibly inspiring, and I am really proud of the work that the team accomplished during that time. Our new leadership team has been mentored by some of the best in the music industry, and I know that the future of both NAMM YP and our industry is in a very good place going forward.” 

A Snapshot of the New Women of NAMM Leadership Council Team

• Women of NAMM has announced its new leadership council, effective immediately

• Leanne Chu, director of supplier operations at Gator Co., as chair 

• Gayle Eline, vice president at Menchey Music Service, Inc., as vice chair 

• Morgane Devos, marketing director at Shure Inc., as secretary 

Chu, the newly elected chair of WoN leadership council reflected on the opportunity to serve the global industry:

“It is an honor to lead the Women of NAMM as its chair, and WoN will continue to provide a platform that truly connects, supports and unites women throughout our industry,” Chu said. “As we continue to grow, we encourage anyone interested in being part of WoN to reach out and get involved.” 

To learn more about NAMM YP and Women of NAMM, please visit nammyp.org and namm.org/women-of-namm. 

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