BREAKING NEWS: Music For All CEO and President Jeremy Earnhart Steps Down
EVP Debbie Asbill announced as Interim CEO while a search is underway
Today, Music For All, the parent organization of Bands of America, announced that its President and CEO, Dr. Jeremy Earnhart, would be stepping down. The Music For All board has appointed Debbie Asbill as interim CEO, and it is undergoing a full search process for a new leader. “He leaves with our thanks for his leadership and achievements during the time he’s been with us,” said Doug Pileri, Chairman of the Board of Music for All. “We wish him success in the future.”
Before joining MFA in 2018 as Chief Operating Officer, Earnhart was the Director of Fine Arts for the Irving (TX) and Arlington (TX) ISDs. He then stepped into the CEO role following Eric Martin's retirement in 2020.
Notable points of Dr. Earnhart’s tenure included Music For All’s largest season this past fall, with 30 events held over ten weekends and 687 unique bands performing at a BOA event, according to bandScores. This past Grand Nationals was the largest ever, with 112 competing bands, and the first Grand Nationals to pass the 100-band threshold since 2018.
“I, as well as some other members of our Board, will provide guidance as needed,” Pileri said, “but Music for All has a talented and capable staff with a proven record of success. I have full confidence in their ability to continue to achieve our mission: to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences through music.”
Asbill is no stranger to Music For All, as she has been involved with the organization since 1985 and, before she was appointed Interim CEO, was serving as the Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communications. Additionally, she was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2011.
Matthew Carstensen is currently GEM’s Managing Editor. He has been involved in the Pageantry Arts for over a decade as a performer at the highest level, an instructor, and a fan. You can find him on Twitter and Threads at @SatNightLites. He currently lives in Florida with his dog.
