The Music City Music Council in Nashville has its first full-time executive director. Justine Avila was named to the position Tuesday after what officials described as an “intensive” search for a leader.
The council helps music businesses expand and relocate to Nashville and recruits music award shows, events, and conventions. The council also promotes music education in public schools.
Avila, who studied and worked in the industry in New York City, with degrees from New York University and Cornell, most recently worked in music booking and for the City Winery venue in Nashville.
“I’m grateful … for this opportunity to serve the city and to find new ways to support the music industry in a way that expands our already strong portfolio of artists, entertainers, and music businesses,” Avila said in a statement.
She’ll run a council with 18 members, including Mayor Megan Barry and a who’s-who of music industry professionals. Along with Barry, the other co-chair of the group will be Joe Galante, the mentor-in-residence at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and former chairman of Sony Music Nashville.