Monday, February 12, 2007 – The Americana Music Association named Jed Hilly as new head of the group, it announced Monday.
Hilly replaces Jeff Green, who left the group last year.
Hilly will start as executive director of the seven-year-old trade organization promoting Americana music March 1.
"We pursued Jed for this position because we know that he gets it," says Americana Music Association President Tamara Saviano. "Jed understands that the music is what drives the artists and professionals who work in Americana, and he has the experience and vision to take the AMA to the next level while keeping the integrity of our music and artists intact."
"I've always been drawn to this genre of music, the people involved and the artistry of the musicians the AMA represents," Hilly said. "There is not a more dedicated group of people in the industry. I couldn't be more excited."
Currently, Hilly is the vice president of Orbison Records. He has been instrumental in the development of Roy Orbison museum exhibits, the creation of a commemorative stamp with the U.S. Postal Service, and an all-star tribute to Orbison at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Prior to moving to Nashville in 2002, Hilly was an executive in Sony Music's New York office. In 1992, he coordinated elements of the grass roots artist development campaign for Pearl Jam. He later worked with MTV to create the first "Buzz Clip" retail marketing campaign which helped Oasis' "Wonderwall" break through on the music charts leading to the band's first multi-platinum success in the U.S.
