The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has announced that Nashville Vice President Michael Martin is to exit his role on June 14 to ‘return to the world of music publishing’.
Longtime ASCAP executive and songwriter advocate Mike Sistad (pictured left) will take up the role of Vice President, reporting directly to Executive Vice President of Membership John Titta.
Concurrently, ASCAP’s Kele Currier (pictured right) has been upped to the position of Assistant Vice President, Strategic Services, Membership, reporting to Sistad. The changes come as current
Sistad has been an integral member of ASCAP’s Membership group for more than eighteen years and has nurtured and signed some of the organization’s top talent, including Chris Stapleton, Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce and more.
Sistad joined ASCAP’s Nashville Membership team as Creative Director in 2001. He has previously served as both a Board Governor and Chapter Advisor for the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy, in addition to being a CMA and ACM member, and Leadership Music alumni.
“Michael’s leadership of our Nashville team over the past four years has been extraordinary.”
In 2013, Currier joined ASCAP as Director of Strategic Services, Membership, where she handles key distribution projects for the country and Christian music markets and assists in resolving high-level membership issues.
“Mike has been an essential member of our Membership team for many years, and his understanding of the needs of our valuable songwriter and publisher community in Nashville is unparalleled.”
John Titta, ASCAP
Titta stated: “Mike has been an essential member of our Membership team for many years, and his understanding of the needs of our valuable songwriter and publisher community in Nashville is unparalleled.
“His reputation as a fierce advocate for songwriters and his close bonds with our Nashville members make him the perfect choice to lead our talented team in Music City.”
Added Titta: “Kele’s dedication to the livelihoods of our songwriter and publisher members is immense.
“She has consistently proven her excellence as a strategic resource while delivering exceptional service to our members.”
On the departure of Martin, ASCAP Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews said: “Michael’s leadership of our Nashville team over the past four years has been extraordinary.
“We are excited for him as he returns to his ‘first love’ of music publishing, and we look forward to partnering with him in his new role.”
