Leadership Music Names Oertley Chief Staff Executive

Karen Oertley

The Board of Directors of Leadership Music has named music industry veteran Karen Oertley to the position of Chief Staff Executive for the educational, non-profit organization, effective April 26.

In her new role as Executive Director, Oertley will assume responsibility for directing the planning of the yearly class program, and fundraising, event committee supervision, community alliance and alumni communication efforts, among other duties.

“Karen brings a strong business background combined with an in-depth knowledge of both the music industry and Leadership Music,” said Pat Collins, President of the Leadership Music Board. “The degree of expertise that she brings to this position is impressive. I anticipate new growth and success for Leadership Music under Karen’s guidance.”

Previously, Oertley was Vice President of the Billboard Music Group, where she served as group publisher of Musician magazine and publisher and editor-in-chief of Amusement Business, the international newsweekly for the live entertainment industry. She also held oversight of VNU’s Nashville office, housing Billboard, Airplay Monitor and The Talent Touring (Boxscore) Database Division. She was later appointed publisher of Nielsen Business Media’s Hospitality Design magazine, based in New York. Most recently, Oertley has served numerous clients as a marketing and business development consultant and been an active community volunteer.

“I have always considered Leadership Music to be a gift, and I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the organization,” Oertley says. “With an alumni base of 800 industry leaders, Leadership Music is a vital and essential element in the continuing dialogue on the evolution of the music business. I look forward to working with the board, the staff, and our alumni to further the organization’s mission and objectives.”

Oertley is a Leadership Music alumna, class of 1995, and has been a member of the board of directors as well as the Alumni Committee, the Digital Summit Marketing committee and other program committees. She has also served on the boards of the Academy of Country Music (ACM), the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), and the Nashville Sports Council, where her participation continues through the Charities Committee. She has been an active member of other industry organizations including NARAS, CMA, IAFE, IAAM, and IAAPA.