IBMA Names New Executive Director

Paul J. Schiminger

Paul J. Schiminger has been named Executive Director of The International Bluegrass Music Association by the organization’s board of directors. He will start the job June 1 at the IBMA’s office in Nashville.

Schiminger has an extensive background in the financial services industry, including his most recent position as head of not-for-profit business development at Wilmington Trust (M&T Bank) in Baltimore, Maryland. He is a member of the Leadership Bluegrass class of 2015, a passionate fan of bluegrass, and plays banjo in a regional band in Maryland.

Board chair Jon Weisberger says Schiminger fits the bill for the organization’s needs. “From the beginning of the search, our board was determined to bring in an Executive Director with substantial experience in the business world, and Paul obviously brings to the position a stellar background in that respect,” Weisberger says. “But he also brings an appreciation of and a passion for bluegrass that I know will excite our membership—and his recent participation in our Leadership Bluegrass program, which he had pursued even before our search began, only underlines his deep connection to our industry and community.”

Schiminger says, “My initial priorities at IBMA will be to work closely with our important partners in Raleigh so together we assure yet another amazing World of Bluegrass business conference and festival, learn how we can better support our Professional members and help them successfully grow their careers, and identify ways we can continually enhance the experience of our Grass Roots members. They are the fans that will help this music thrive for generations to come.

“Bluegrass music is enjoying a surge of creativity and vibrancy, as witnessed in Raleigh at IBMA’s World of Bluegrass event over the past couple of years,” he continues. “We have a community of talented musicians and fans connected as one. There is no other community like it. How could I not be excited to be a part of this music at such a time of growth? I have an incredible opportunity to combine my professional experience and my passion. Now let’s have some fun together!”

Previously, Nancy Cardwell was the Executive Director of the professional trade organization for the global bluegrass music industry and the community it serves.