The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has elected its leadership for the coming year.
Lee Thomas Miller has been selected to serve as president, while Jenn Schott will serve as vice president of the organization. Outgoing president Steve Bogard, who previously served as NSAI president from 2006-2012 and was re-elected to the role in 2017, is the longest-serving president in NSAI history. Bogard chose not to seek another leadership term, although he will continue to serve on NSAI's board of directors.
The results of the general election also include a new board member Tranny Anderson joining for a first term, while 10 current board members were re-elected for two-year terms: Steve Bogard, Chris DeStefano, JT Harding, Byron Hill, Josh Kier, Jamie Moore, Jon Nite, Liz Rose, Jenn Schott and Emily Shackleton. In the meantime, Roger Brown was reappointed for a one-year term as legislative chairman, while Rhett Akins and Caitlin Smith were reappointed to the agency's “artist writer” board positions for a one-year term and Brett James reappointed for a one-year term as branch liaison.
The new additions join existing board members Miller, Kelly Archer, Sarah Buxton, David Hodges, Jessie Jo Dillon, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Rivers Rutherford, Anthony L. Smith, Troy Verges and Parker Wellingwhose term expires in 2025.
“Steve Bogard led NSAI through complex trials where we sought higher streaming rates, the Music Modernization Act and many challenges as we sought to improve compensation for American songwriters,” said NSAI Executive Director. Bart Herbison in a statement. “Every songwriter in the United States owes him a handshake and thank you for his work and the thousands of hours he's put in. We are also pleased to welcome Lee Thomas Miller, who has served as President in the past and is a proven, effective attorney. And Jenn Schott, who will serve as NSAI's Vice President after years of experience on our board and executive committee.”
NSAI board elections are conducted in two phases: voting by the NSAI professional songwriter members and appointments by the NSAI board. Board terms begin each year at the April meeting.
