Veteran publishing executive Jody Williams was recently named the new Chair of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Officers & Trustees. He will serve a one-year term.
The Jody Williams Songs (JWS) Founder has served on the museum’s Board for 17 years, including in a leadership role as a trustee since 2011. He has also chaired the Board’s Development Committee for the past decade, serving as a collaborator and entertainment producer for fundraising initiatives in support of the museum’s educational mission.
Williams is a Nashville native who has spent over 40 years in the city’s creative community. Starting in the mailroom at BMI in 1976, he has held positions with Charlie Daniels Hat Band Music, Screen Gems Music, Chappell Music and Tree. After overseeing Dick James Music, he rejoined BMI in 1986 and worked as a writer representative for nine years. In 1995, Williams became President of MCA Music Publishing Nashville. Four years later, he formed his own company, Jody Williams Music, where he worked with top writers and amassed a catalog that includes songs by Tim McGraw, Bonnie Raitt, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner and more.
In 2006, Williams returned to BMI as Vice President of Creative, Nashville. He was instrumental in placing dozens of songwriters and artists with publishing companies, and championing talents such as Eric Church, Robert Earl Keen, Natalie Hemby, Alison Krauss, Maren Morris, Jeffrey Steele, Carrie Underwood and Brooks & Dunn, among others
The Leadership Nashville and Leadership Music alum most recently launched Jody Williams Songs (JWS) in 2020 in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville. JWS currently represents Vince Gill, Ashley McBryde and more.
“Jody is woven into the fabric of country music’s creative community in a true and meaningful way,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “He is not only a respected executive and passionate supporter of our museum and its mission, but he’s also resolute in furthering country music’s vitality as a cultural artform. We look forward to his guidance and insights as we continue our work preserving this history and educating audiences on its importance.”
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