#United States #Carlsbad #Board Members #NAMM #Music Trade

NAMM Welcomes Eight New Board Members for 2026

On January 24, 2026, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the world's largest non-profit music trade organization, unveiled the names of eight individuals elected to join its Board of Directors. This announcement was made during the annual meeting held at the 2026 NAMM Show. Each of these newly elected board members will serve a three-year term, extending to January 2029, providing their skills and leadership to further NAMM's mission and objectives.

A Commitment to the Music Industry

NAMM's Board of Directors is composed of 24 members, elected by the organization's membership, who play a pivotal role in guiding and overseeing the organization’s efforts to strengthen the music products industry, currently valued at $19.5 billion. This board brings together industry veterans with diverse experience in various areas such as retail, distribution, education, and performance, ensuring that the leadership is well-equipped to address the needs and challenges facing the music trade.

Meet the New Board Members

The individuals elected bring a wealth of experience:

• - Antonio Ferranti: As President of Proel North America, Antonio has over 25 years of experience in the music product sector, focusing on distribution and brand development.
• - Chris Hutnick: The President of Lienau AV Associates, Chris has a background in manufacturing representation and holds high honors in arts from Stockton College.
• - Jeff Bertrand: Owner of Bertrand's Music in San Diego, Jeff has a solid foundation in business from the University of San Diego, successfully steering his company towards community engagement and music education.
• - John Stephans: CEO of Avedis Zildjian Company, John oversees the largest manufacturer of cymbals and has an extensive background in the music industry.
• - Jonathon Breen: As president of The Music Shoppe in Illinois, Jonathon represents a family legacy in music retail, expanding the shop's offerings significantly since its founding.
• - Ryan Richman: From Eastman Music Company, Ryan's involvement spans designing and crafting high-quality musical instruments, supported by nearly three decades of industry experience.
• - Stacey Ryan: Leader of School of Rock, Stacey is recognized for her work in performance-based music education, with an emphasis on leadership and cultural transformation.
• - Whitney McGuire McNicol: Co-owner of Maxwell’s House of Music, Whitney integrates a mix of retail and educational services within her business framework and actively promotes growth in the music community.

Looking Forward

NAMM President and CEO John Mlynczak expressed excitement about welcoming these new leaders, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome this new class to our Board of Directors. NAMM is indebted to the talented coalition of industry leaders that choose to volunteer their time to guide our global organization into the future.”

The departing board members were acknowledged for their contributions and service to NAMM. Their experience has significantly benefited the organization, setting a robust foundation for the new members to build upon.

For clarity on NAMM's current Board of Directors and Executive Committee members, interested individuals can visit NAMM's Board Members Page.

As NAMM continues to advance its mission, the inclusion of such knowledgeable board members is likely to enhance the organization’s impact on the global music products industry. In a community that thrives on collaboration and creativity, NAMM's leadership transition reflects a steadfast commitment to fostering growth and innovation in music.