Nashville, TN (April 27, 2021) — The International Bluegrass Music Association’s Board of Directors announced that Pat Morris has been selected as the organization’s Executive Director. He’s expected to start May 24, and will be based at the IBMA office in Nashville, Tennessee.
IBMA – the International Bluegrass Music Association – is the non-profit music association that connects, educates, and empowers bluegrass professionals and enthusiasts, honoring tradition and encouraging innovation in the bluegrass community worldwide.
Morris brings two decades of association, international, and finance leadership experience to the position – having served as the Chief Executive Officer of ACA International, President & CEO of the Association for Corporate Growth, and the Executive Director of the Washington DC-based InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards. He is a former Marine officer, worked in the U.S. Senate, and was selected for the prestigious Presidential Management Fellowship Program. Morris holds a B.S. degree from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia and an M.P.A. from the University of Kentucky.
Growing up in Virginia, Pat became a lifelong fan of bluegrass while working at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg and watching the daily performances of the Wahoo Revue, Jim Lauderdale, and the late Gene Wooten. This inspired him to learn the guitar, and his love of bluegrass followed him around the globe as he pursued his career as an association executive.
“Pat’s impeccable resume and love of bluegrass is the perfect combination for the next Executive Director of IBMA,” said Board Chairperson and President Ben Surratt. “I’m so happy to have Pat working alongside us for the benefit of bluegrass and the bluegrass community. Our association is in great hands.”
“I am so honored to be selected as the next Executive Director of the IBMA” said Morris. “This position combines my passion for bluegrass and pursuit of excellence as an association leader. The future of bluegrass is bright, and I look forward to learning from IBMA staff, leaders, and members and drawing upon my own experience in applying best practices, leveraging creative ideas and technology, finding strategic partners, and turning opportunities into reality to help IBMA and the bluegrass industry. I look forward to working with IBMA’s members, and helping to advance the organization’s mission and values.”
“I’m excited for the future of our association. The IBMA is fortunate to have Pat taking the helm with his extensive association leadership experience and passion for our music,” said Paul Schiminger, IBMA’s retiring Executive Director. “I hope everyone will welcome and support him in the same incredible way you did with me. Pat and the strong staff will continue to advance the IBMA’s impact by achieving even greater things with your help!”
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Press Info:
Judy McDonough, Karen Campbell Media
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(615) 243-5994
General Info:
Casey Campbell, IBMA
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(615) 256-3222
