Nashville Announces New Leadership for AIMP Chapter

News Summary

The Nashville chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) recently elected new leadership for the 2025-2026 term, with John Ozier returning as President. Ozier, alongside newly appointed officers including Courtney Crist and Janine Ebach, aims to strengthen the chapter’s initiatives and support the vibrant community of independent music publishers and songwriters. The board also sees new members eager to contribute their expertise. As the chapter prepares for upcoming webinars and events, there’s great enthusiasm for fostering local talent and celebrating achievements in the music publishing industry.

Nashville Welcomes New Leadership for AIMP Chapter

Exciting news is ringing out from the heart of Nashville, as the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) announces its newly elected leadership for the 2025-2026 term! This vibrant chapter, steeped in the rich tapestry of music publishing, has appointed John Ozier, the Executive Vice President of Creative at Reservoir Media Management, to step into the role of President.

Ozier Takes the Helm Again

John Ozier is no stranger to this position, having previously served as the Nashville Chapter President from 2015 to 2022. After a brief hiatus, he’s back and enthusiastic about leading the chapter into a promising new era. Ozier succeeds Ree Guyer from Wrensong Music, who has made significant contributions during her term. While Ree is stepping down from the presidency, she will continue to support the organization by remaining on the board.

Meet the New Officers

In addition to Ozier’s return, the chapter has welcomed a stellar lineup of newly elected officers who are poised to propel the mission of AIMP. Courtney Crist from Eclipse Music Group is stepping in as Vice President, ensuring that the creative spirit remains at the forefront. Janine Ebach of Ebach Entertainment will take on the role of Secretary, while Kari Barnhart from Studio Bank has been named Treasurer. Together, they will work tirelessly to strengthen the chapter’s efforts.

New Faces on the Board

The roster doesn’t stop there! The AIMP Nashville Chapter has also elected a fresh group of dynamic members to its Board of Directors. This diverse group includes Duane Hobson from ASCAP, Dave Pacula from Liz Rose Music, Leslie DiPiero from Jonas Group Publishing, Megan Pekar from Loeb & Loeb LLP, and Melissa Spillman from Concord. Their collective expertise is bound to elevate the chapter’s initiatives.

Keeping the Momentum Going

As the chapter transitions into new leadership, familiar faces stay on the board, sharing their wisdom and experience. Members such as ET Brown from SESAC, Leslie Roberts from BMI, Shannan Hatch from SESAC, Keithan Melton from Combustion Music, Alex Heddle and Tim Hunze both from Big Machine Music, and Robert Carlton from SMACKSongs will continue to play vital roles in steering the chapter’s direction.

New Administrative Team

The chapter also sees a fresh face in administration with Kendall Lettow from peermusic appointed as the Administration Director and Alex Tamashunas from Creative Nation taking on the role of Administration Assistant. Together, they will support the chapter’s operations as it grows and strives for excellence.

Looking Ahead: Webinars and More!

Exciting plans are underway! The AIMP Executive Board is gearing up to meet soon to elect the national chair for the association. Upcoming webinars and events are set to take place, focusing on various aspects of the music publishing industry as the world has started to emerge from the pandemic shadows.

A Celebration of Success

The AIMP Nashville Chapter is particularly known for its annual awards and songwriting series, which celebrate the exceptional talents of independent publishers and songwriters. Recently, the chapter held its 6th Annual AIMP Nashville Awards, honoring remarkable achievements in the industry. Big Machine Music took home the prestigious title of Publisher of the Year, while Hillary Lindsey from Concord Music Publishing was celebrated as Songwriter of the Year. Not to be left out, Ashley McBryde scored the title of Artist-Writer of the Year, and “One of Them Girls” was awarded Song of the Year, written by Ashley Gorley and his talented co-writers.

Empowering Emerging Talent

This year, the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series showcased local talents, selected for their promise in the industry. These events are essential, fostering connections among songwriters, publishers, and industry professionals, creating a nurturing environment where creativity can truly thrive.

As the Nashville chapter of AIMP embarks on this exciting new chapter, there’s palpable enthusiasm in the air. With its fresh leaders and innovative plans, it looks poised to elevate the community of independent music publishers and songwriters even further. So, let’s keep our ears open and stay tuned for all the amazing collaborations and developments that this vibrant community will undoubtedly generate!