ECMA Public Statement to Members and Stakeholders
November 15, 2024
After three years of service to ECMA as Chair of the Board of Directors, Debbie Mullins stepped down from this role effective October 29th, 2024, but continues to serve the ECMA as the elected representative for Cape Breton, a position she has held for the past five years. The Board of Directors offers our sincerest thank you and gratitude to Debbie for her service as Chair and for her continued service on the Board. We are also pleased to announce the election of Michelle Eagles as the new Chair of the Board, effective November 12th, 2024. Michelle brings extensive experience in leadership, collaborative strategic partnerships, and corporate governance. Michelle is well positioned to lead the ECMA through current and future challenges for the ECMA, through her dedication and stable leadership.
The Board of Directors is aware of concerns expressed recently in the East Coast music community about the future direction of ECMA; recent program and awards eligibility changes; a petition actively circulating in the music community; and demands for accountability and transparency. We thank you very much for your patience and understanding in our consideration of these concerns. We want to assure you that the Board of Directors is listening closely to the valuable insights and feedback shared by our members, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Your perspectives are essential, and the ECMA is committed to engaging with you in meaningful ways. Transparency is a priority for the ECMA, and the ECMA will keep the community informed as we work toward collaborative solutions. We are also engaging with music industry associations across all regions to ensure a broad range of viewpoints is represented. We thank you for your engagement thus far and we will work toward establishing formal processes for continued engagement on these recent issues.
As the Board of Directors of the ECMA envisions the future of our organization, we’re inspired by the collaborative spirit that unites the Music Industry Associations (MIA’S) and the ECMA. Together, we’re excited to harness the power of the Atlantic Music Collective to amplify our impact, champion our artists, and shape the ECMA and the East Coast music landscape in bold new ways.
The Board of Directors acknowledges the dedication and hard work of the ECMA staff, both past and present. We are grateful for their commitment to operational excellence, and faithfulness to ECMA’s vision and mission. We look forward to building on our shared strengths and working collaboratively to support the needs and priorities of our membership. Together, we are committed to fostering a thriving music community that reflects and upholds our shared values.
Sincerely,
The ECMA Board of Directors
