Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn Announces Retirement After 15 Years of Service
Leadership Music Board Past President Neal Spielberg, Executive Director Debbie Linn, & Board President Diane Pearson
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 1, 2026) Leadership Music announced that Executive Director Debbie Linn will retire in 2027, concluding 15 years of leadership with the nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating leadership within the music industry.
Linn shared her decision with Leadership Music’s Board of Directors and alumni prior to the announcement. She will continue serving as Executive Director through 2027, allowing the organization ample time to ensure a thoughtful leadership transition.
Linn joined Leadership Music in April 2012 and will mark 15 years with the organization in April 2027. During her tenure, she has overseen a period of significant growth and engagement, strengthening the organization’s financial foundation, expanding alumni involvement, deepening industry partnerships, and guiding more than a dozen Leadership Music classes. Throughout her tenure, she has remained committed to the organization’s mission of cultivating a forward-thinking community of leaders who impact the creative industry.
“Serving as Executive Director of Leadership Music has been the honor of my professional life,” said Linn. “This organization has never been just a job to me—it has been my passion and my purpose. I am deeply grateful to the board members, volunteers, donors, staff, founding council, alumni, and industry leaders who have made these past 15 years so meaningful. While I’m looking forward to this next chapter, I’m equally excited to spend my remaining time continuing the important work of Leadership Music and ensuring a smooth transition for the organization I love.”
Leadership Music Board President Diane Pearson expressed gratitude for Linn’s leadership and lasting impact. She said, “Debbie has led Leadership Music with extraordinary passion, integrity, and heart. Her unwavering commitment to our mission and to the people who make this organization so special has strengthened Leadership Music in countless ways. Because of her leadership, we are well positioned for the future. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are deeply grateful for Debbie’s remarkable service and look forward to celebrating her many contributions over the coming year”.
The Leadership Music Search Committee will begin the process of identifying the organization’s next Executive Director in the coming months. Additional information regarding the search process, timeline, and opportunities for stakeholder engagement will be announced shortly.
Linn will continue to lead Leadership Music through summer 2027, working closely with the Board to ensure a seamless transition and continued momentum for the organization.
About Leadership Music
Leadership Music is a Nashville-based nonprofit educational organization that cultivates a forward-thinking community of leaders who impact the creative industry. Since 1989, Leadership Music has brought together established and emerging leaders from across all sectors of the music industry through an immersive educational experience designed to foster informed dialogue, meaningful relationships, and lifelong leadership.
Contact:
Margy Holland
Margy@leadershipmusic.org
615-770-7090 (office)
615-397-7671 (mobile)