NAMM Young Professionals and Women of NAMM Announce New Leadership

CARLSBAD, CALIF., JULY 19, 2023 – NAMM Young Professionals (NAMM YP) and Women of NAMM (WON) recently elected new leaders to continue serving NAMM members on behalf of the music products, sound and entertainment technology industries.

NAMM Young Professionals (NAMM YP) has elected two new members to its board of directors. Matthew Kennedy, director of strategic initiatives at C.F. Martin & Co., and Ryan Kotrlik, retail and combo manager at Beacock Music and Education Center, will serve three-year terms with the organization.

“We’re so excited to welcome Matthew and Ryan onto the board,” said Jeremy Payne, outgoing NAMM YP president. “Each brings unique experiences that will lend themselves to growing the toolbox of NAMM YP member resources. Both have been actively involved in the group for years, so we expect them to jump in and be effective on Day One.”

NAMM YP also announced its new executive committee of officers, effective immediately: Michael Santander, general manager of Instrumental Music Center, as president; Erin Kessler, marketing director at Maple Leaf Strings, as vice president; and Scott Rife, regional sales manager at Eastman Music Co., as secretary. 

“Erin and Scott joining this executive committee is huge for young people in our industry,” Payne said. “The leadership they’ve shown while serving as directors on the board has propelled us forward, and it is really exciting for me to think of what they will do as the official leaders of this board, alongside Michael Santander, our incoming president. I’m really proud and inspired by this group of leaders and know the future of our industry is in very good hands.”

In related NAMM-board news, Women of NAMM (WON) has named new council members. Julie Wagnitz, director of school music services for Heid Music, has been appointed as chair. She replaces Lisa MacDonald, director of vertical marketing at Yamaha Corp. of America, who recently completed her term as WON chair. Morgan Walker, director of communications at Korg USA, was named first vice chair, and Leanne Chu, director of supplier operations at Gator Co., was named second vice chair.

“I’m thrilled to serve as the Women of NAMM chair and continue our work connecting, supporting and uniting women in the industry,” Wagnitz said. “I encourage anyone interested in joining 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.