(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Louis Jay Meyers has been selected as the new Executive Director of the non-profit Folk Alliance. Louis begins work on June 1 2005, to insure a smooth transition as Phyllis Barney, Folk Alliance E.D. since 1995, completes her service on June 30th.
One of the four founders and directors of Austin's South by Southwest conference, Louis brings to Folk Alliance two decades of conference management experience, having additionally organized both the LMNOP conference in New Orleans and the Access to Amsterdam (A2A) conference in the Netherlands, as well as artists showcases at many events. Louis has wide experience in the music business, working in marketing, as artist manager, agent, record label marketing and A&R, and as a club presenter. On the creative side, Louis is a producer and performs on banjo, guitar, steel guitar, and dobro. Most recently he's been working as general manager for the Austin Music Network and creative director for Austin Community Television.
Folk Alliance President Tom Neff, speaking for the entire Folk Alliance Board, said, "We conducted an extensive search for our new Executive Director, and reviewed many qualified applicants. It quickly became clear that Louis had the combination of skills and experience that Folk Alliance needs right now to shepherd the organization through our transition to Memphis and beyond. I'm excited about what Louis will bring to the Folk Alliance, and know that he'll take us forward in new and exciting directions"
"I've been proud to have Louis as a friend and colleague, and was thrilled at his selection for the job," adds outgoing E.D. Barney. "He's been a Folk Alliance member for a long time, and has been part of my informal 'kitchen cabinet' that I go to for advice and counsel for many years. He brings to this job a great vision, and the knowledge to implement that vision. I've always been impressed with his love for roots music, and look forward to being a part of the Folk Alliance future that he will create."
"I am both honored and thrilled at the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of the North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance organization," said Meyers. "June will find me working closely with my dear friend and outgoing Executive Director, Phyllis Barney, to relocate the Folk Alliance office to Memphis and begin a new era of services for you, the Folk Alliance membership. I will do my best to carry on the traditions and services established by Phyllis and the Folk Alliance Board of Directors over the last decade. My door (or email) is open to all of you and I would greatly appreciate your opinions on how Folk Alliance can better serve you and your needs."
You can email him at louis@folk.org. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
