CMA Board President To Oversee Day-to-Day Operations

Ed Hardy

The search to replace former CMA CEO Steve Moore, who resigned from the organization on June 30, will begin in earnest, Troy Tomlinson, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors, announced today (July 8). In the meantime, an interim leader has been named.

“CMA Board leadership and the CMA Executive Committee have a comprehensive plan during this transition,” Tomlinson said. “Effective today, CMA Board President Ed Hardy will oversee the day-to-day operations of CMA and will be the Board’s transitional liaison with the CMA management team while the search for Steve’s successor takes place. Ed is respected in the industry and I am confident that his experience and leadership will be of tremendous value to the staff at CMA.”

Hardy has been a member of the CMA Board of Directors for eight years, serving on every committee. He was named President-Elect in 2012 and assumed the role of President on Jan. 1.

Hardy was President of Scripps Network Interactive/Great American Country (GAC) Television Network from 2004 until 2012, where he led the successful integration of GAC into Scripps Networks. The move marked his return to Scripps, after having spent nine years as Vice President of the Scripps-owned Country–formatted radio properties, KUPL AM/FM in Portland, Ore.

A graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications/ journalism, Hardy broke into the radio business in 1968 at WJW Radio, Cleveland. His management career began at KERE Denver in 1974, first as General Sales Manager, then General Manager. Later he became VP/General Manager of WCII, Louisville. By 1994 he employed his innovative management skills as founder, President and CEO of Deschutes River Broadcasting in Portland, Ore. Hardy later merged his company into Citadel Broadcasting and served as President – West Region for Citadel. He then became CEO and President of MeasureCast, Inc. (now SelectMetrics, Inc.). For 20 years, following his active duty service with the United States Army, he was an active member of the U.S. Army Reserves, rising to the rank of Major. Hardy currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Tomlinson said a search committee will be named and will be charged with identifying the most qualified candidates for the position. A process for submitting applicants will be announced at a later date. Until a process is announced, no applications are being accepted.