NASHVILLE, Tennessee, June 30.
The IBMA Foundation, led by Executive Director Cassie Wright, is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders to its board of directors: six-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Sierra Hull, and corporate strategist and educator Dr. Obie Paul Byrum. Both begin their three-year terms effective July 1, 2026, bringing a valuable blend of industry perspective, operational expertise, and lifelong dedication to the future of bluegrass music to support the Foundation’s philanthropic mission.
“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Sierra and Paul to our leadership team,” said Trisha Tubbs, president and board chair of the IBMA Foundation. “Sierra’s historic artistic achievements and deep roots in our community inspire music lovers worldwide, and Paul’s extensive background in global operations, strategy, and non-profit committee work provides invaluable expertise. We are grateful to have them join our Board of Directors. Their leadership will be vital as we continue to grow and work toward a brighter future for bluegrass music, advancing our efforts in bluegrass education, arts and culture, literary work, and historic preservation.”
About the New Board Members
Sierra Hull is widely regarded to be a master of her instrument; A six-time GRAMMY nominated artist and songwriter, recognized for her most recent projects, A Tip Toe High Wire (2025), 25 Trips (2020) and Weighted Mind (2016), she is also the 7x recipient of IBMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year, the first woman to ever receive this distinction. A pioneer for acoustic music throughout her already impressive multi-decade career, she has graced the country’s most iconic stages, including Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and the White House. Her virtuosic abilities have garnered respect from genre-defining trailblazers, friends, and collaborators such as Alison Krauss, Sturgill Simpson, Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, Béla Fleck, Steve Martin, Brandi Carlile, Dave Matthews, Cory Wong, Billy Strings and more. Originally hailing from Byrdstown, Tennessee, her unique sound is rooted in bluegrass, and she is widely considered one of acoustic music’s most inventive artists.
Obie Paul Byrum, Ph.D., is a Professor of Practice, Management, and Supply Chain at East Tennessee State University, where he teaches strategy, leadership, and supply chain courses. He also brings senior executive leadership experience in global sourcing, operations, compliance across multinational organizations, strategic planning, risk management, and governance. Paul currently serves on the IBMA Foundation’s Arnold Shultz Fund Advisory Committee and is an alumnus of the 2011 Leadership Bluegrass class. He founded WoodSongs Dalton, a community-based concert series supporting charitable causes. A longtime bluegrass supporter and musician, he enjoys playing banjo, upright bass, and mountain dulcimer and has been active in community-based music initiatives.
Hull and Byrum join a dedicated group of officers and trustees committed to supporting the future of bluegrass music through programs, targeted grantmaking, and scholarships.
As the Foundation welcomes new leadership, it also celebrates and thanks three deeply valued, long-serving board members who are rotating off the board having reached their term limits. Wendy Tyner, Michael Hall, and Peter Salovey have each completed the maximum allowance of three consecutive three-year terms, totaling nine years of remarkable service to the organization. Their leadership, passion, and strategic oversight have been foundational to the growth and long-term sustainability of the IBMA Foundation’s mission.
Learn more about the IBMA Foundation and its board here.
About the IBMA Foundation
The IBMA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity foundation that supports programs fostering the growth of bluegrass music worldwide through the charitable donations and planned giving from its many donors. The Foundation supports individuals and initiatives in the areas of bluegrass-related education, arts and culture, literary work, academic programs, and historic preservation. For more information or to make a donation, visit bluegrassfoundation.org or email info@bluegrassfoundation.org.
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