Our Team

Julia previously led grantmaking at the Merakey Foundation, one of the nation’s largest behavioral health organizations. She holds an M.A. in Performing Arts Management and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation. A Miami University graduate with a degree in music education, she serves on Miami’s College of Creative Arts Advisory Board. Her career includes teaching music in the public schools in Hamilton, OH, and leadership roles in Philadelphia arts organizations focused on expanding access to music. She has been invited as a speaker and panelist at institutions including USC Dornsife, Cleveland Institute of Music, University of Delaware, Miami University, and the National Endowment for the Arts, among others.

Sharon oversees grantmaking and marketing strategies for The NAMM Foundation’s initiatives, driving mission-aligned impact and elevating grantee voices. With over 28 years at NAMM and The NAMM Foundation, Sharon has deep music industry experience and a strong commitment to The NAMM Foundation’s mission. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Chico.

Sharon enjoys concerts with her family, spending time at the beach and exploring San Diego’s scenic trails.

Bethany leads the operational execution of NAMM Foundation initiatives including awards and scholarships, The NAMM Show, board of directors management and cross-functional collaboration internally and externally. Bethany has spent over 11 years at NAMM, progressing through roles spanning the Resource Center, Membership and Public Affairs and Government Relations. She is a Certified Nonprofit Professional through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance and holds a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and management from the University of San Diego and a bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance and music business from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam.

McKenna leads fundraising operations and donor development for The NAMM Foundation, driving strategic initiatives that fund the organization’s mission. With a career spanning political campaigns and mission-driven organizations, she brings deep expertise in relationship-based fundraising and a genuine passion for advancing causes that create lasting impact. McKenna holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Diego State University.

Outside the office, McKenna can be found enjoying live music at concerts, perfecting her golf swing, or taking long beach walks with her miniature dachshund, Manny.

President and CEO of NAMM, a global not-for-profit trade association representing more than 10,000 manufacturers and retailers of musical instruments and professional sound products. John leads NAMM’s Circle of Benefits model, reinvesting trade show proceeds into grants, scholarships, research and advocacy programs that support music education and promote the benefits of music making for all ages.

President and CEO of Korg USA, where he has been integral to the company’s growth since its inception in 1984. Korg USA distributes and owns some of the world’s most respected MI brands and has been a NAMM member since 1977. Joe previously served on the NAMM board of directors (2015–2017), is a founding supporter of Women of NAMM and has served on advisory boards for the Don Johnson Music Industry Service Award and the Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston University and an MBA from Hofstra University.

Executive vice president and CFO of the Gretsch Company, a Savannah, Georgia-based manufacturer of drums and guitars since 1883. A prominent figure in the music products industry since 1979, Dinah has received numerous honors including the NARAS Heroes Award (2003), induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (2008) and the WiMN She Rocks Award (2014). In 2010 she established the Mrs. G’s Music Foundation, which funds music teachers, supports artist residencies, supplies instruments to rural schools and provides grants for children to attend music camps. She serves on the boards of the Georgia Music Foundation, Sacred Heart Finance Committee and Thomas Heyward Academy.

A distinguished leader in music education with a career spanning several decades. Trained in clarinet, piano and guitar, Ron joined Alfred Music in 1988, continuing the legacy of his grandfather and father. Under his guidance, Alfred Music pioneered digital learning tools that helped revolutionize music education. He has established numerous programs promoting music in schools and communities, earning wide recognition for his contributions.

Founding member of Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, five-time Grammy Award recipient and three-time Bass Player of the Year. His groundbreaking style blends jazz, funk, rock and a unique melodic approach. In 2000, he founded the Bass/Nature Camp, which grew into Victor Wooten’s Center for Music and Nature. He also co-leads a summer bass workshop at Berklee College of Music and is the author of The Music Lesson and its sequel, The Spirit of Music.

Chief marketing officer at Gibson, leading global marketing, brand experience, entertainment and artist relations, partnerships, Gibson TV and the Gibson Gives foundation. Before becoming CMO, Beth rose through Gibson’s entertainment relations division and previously worked in brand strategy and experiential marketing with House of Blues, Red Bull and Fortune 500 brands including Samsung, Live Nation and AT&T. She serves on the boards of Gibson Gives and the Save The Music Foundation.

Music industry executive, musician and advocate whose career has been dedicated to advancing the power of music making. As president and CEO of NAMM from 2001 to 2023, he led the association through a period of significant growth, strengthening its global membership, expanding industry education and advocacy programs and helping elevate the role of The NAMM Foundation in supporting music education and lifelong participation in music. Before joining NAMM, Joe worked as a touring musician, production manager, music retailer and industry entrepreneur — experiences that shaped his collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of the music products community. Today, he continues to serve the industry through board leadership, philanthropy, mentoring and efforts to ensure future generations have access to the benefits of music making.