NASHVILLE
– The search to replace former CMA CEO Steve Moore, who resigned
from the organization on June 30, will begin in earnest, Troy Tomlinson, Chairman
of the CMA Board of Directors, announced today.
“CMA Board
leadership and the CMA Executive Committee have a comprehensive plan during this
transition,” Tomlinson said. “Effective today, CMA Board President Ed Hardy will oversee
the day-to-day operations of CMA and will be the Board’s transitional liaison
with the CMA management team while the search for Steve’s successor takes place.
Ed is respected in the industry and I am confident that his experience and leadership
will be of tremendous value to the staff at CMA.”
Hardy has
been a member of the CMA Board of Directors for eight years, serving on every
committee. He was named President-Elect in 2012 and assumed the role of President on Jan. 1.
A
graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism,
Hardy was President of Scripps Network Interactive/Great American Country (GAC)
Television Network from 2004 until 2012, where he led the successful integration
of GAC into Scripps Networks. The move marked his return to Scripps, after having
spent nine years as Vice President of the Scripps-owned Country–formatted radio
properties, KUPL AM/FM in Portland, Ore.
Hardy broke into
the radio business in 1968 at WJW Radio, Cleveland. His management career began
at KERE Denver in 1974, first as General Sales Manager, then General Manager.
Later he became VP/General Manager of WCII, Louisville. By 1994 he employed his
innovative management skills as founder, President and CEO of Deschutes River
Broadcasting in Portland, Ore. Hardy later merged his company into Citadel Broadcasting
and served as President – West Region for Citadel. He then became CEO and President
of MeasureCast, Inc. (now SelectMetrics, Inc.). For 20 years, following his active
duty service with the United States Army, he was an active member of the U.S.
Army Reserves, rising to the rank of Major. Hardy currently serves as Chairman
of the Board for the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Tomlinson
said a search committee will be named and will be charged with identifying the
most qualified candidates for the position. A process for submitting applicants
will be announced at a later date. Until a process is announced, no applications
are being accepted.
About CMA: Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association was the
first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. In 1961, CMA created
the Country Music Hall of Fame to recognize artists and industry professionals
with Country Music’s highest honor. More than 7,000 music industry professionals
and companies from around the globe are members of CMA. The organization’s objectives
are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry
and advance the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished
through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding
achievement in the industry; the CMA Music Festival, which benefits music education
and is taped for a three-hour TV special; and “CMA Country Christmas,” featuring
Country artists performing original music and Christmas classics for broadcast
during the holiday season. All of CMA’s television properties will air
on the ABC Television network through 2021. |
