NAMM Elects New Executive Committee to Drive Music Industry
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has announced the newly elected officers of its executive committee, effective immediately. This newly formed group will serve to represent NAMM's diverse global membership and elevate the music industry as a whole through its visionary initiatives. The 2025 executive committee is led by Chair Chris White, Vice Chair Joseph Castronovo, Treasurer Whitney Brown Grisaffi, and Secretary Jake Connolly.
Executive Committee Members and Their Roles
Chris White takes on his new role as chair after previously serving as vice chair. As the president and CEO of White House of Music, Inc., he has extensive experience in music retail. His company focuses on a broad range of services including musical instrument sales, repair, and educational support. White expressed his excitement about his new responsibilities, stating that he is dedicated to fostering a community of music makers and champions networking opportunities within the industry.
Joseph Castronovo, stepping into the vice chair position, is anticipated to bring innovative ideas to the executive committee. Currently, he serves as president and CEO of Korg USA, a prominent player in the music industry since 1984. Castronovo's experience on the NAMM board and his deep involvement with initiatives such as Women of NAMM combined with his business acumen will be invaluable as he supports NAMM’s mission of advancing music education and advocacy.
Key Contributions by Incoming Executives
Whitney Brown Grisaffi transitions from secretary to treasurer. Leading Ted Brown Music Co., she has played a vital role in achieving significant accolades, including being a NAMM Top 100 Dealer. With her background in communications and several leadership roles in music organizations, she aims to further enhance NAMM's financial strategies and community involvement.
Newly appointed secretary Jake Connolly is eager to represent NAMM members globally. As the CEO of Connolly Music Company, he has a deep understanding of musician's needs and is committed to enhancing the members’ experience through effective communication and representation. His vision involves collaborating closely with the board to ensure NAMM's objectives are met with excellence.
Honoring Outgoing Chair
The meeting also recognized outgoing chair Tom Sumner for his dedicated service over the past eight years. His leadership has helped amplify NAMM's impact, and during his tenure, he consistently advocated for initiatives that fostered music creation and accessibility across various communities. Sumner's reflection on his time reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting music makers worldwide.
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
All incoming officers share a unified goal to promote inclusivity and diversity in the music industry. They recognize the vital importance of networking and educational opportunities as essential tools for growth and empowerment. As they step into their new roles, the team is determined to build on NAMM's rich legacy while driving innovation and engagement among members.
About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the growth and enjoyment of the $19.5 billion music products industry. NAMM unites over 10,000 member companies and professionals, collectively representing a workforce of over 475,000. Through major events like The NAMM Show and various member services, NAMM works tirelessly to advocate for music education and participation within communities. For more information about NAMM, visit their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new chair of NAMM's executive committee?
The new chair is Chris White, previously the vice chair.
What is the role of Joseph Castronovo in the new committee?
Joseph Castronovo serves as the new vice chair.
How many members represent NAMM?
NAMM includes over 10,000 member companies and individuals globally.
What key attributes will the incoming officers focus on?
The incoming officers focus on inclusivity, diversity, and advocacy for music education.
What organization is behind NAMM?
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the governing body aiming to strengthen the music products industry.
