Manitoba Music Welcomes New Executive Director

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Manitoba Music, formerly the Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association (MARIA), is pleased to announce the appointment of a new executive director, Sara Stasiuk.

Stasiuk has been with Manitoba Music since 2002, most recently as Programs and Operations Manager, and has been a key factor in every aspect of Manitoba Music’s achievements. Among Stasiuk’s many duties, she has managed the creation, development and implementation of the successful Manitoba Music and Motion Pictures (M3P) Development Project. She has been active in developing Manitoba’s presence at prominent national and international music industry conferences and marketing the Manitoba music industry across the country and beyond.

Stasiuk has been acting as executive director since Sam Baardman went on an extended leave in January 2008. Baardman announced his permanent departure after nearly eight years with Manitoba Music at its Annual General Meeting in June. Baardman has been instrumental in strengthening the 21-year-old association and diversifying its services and capacity as a strong voice for the Manitoba music industry. He has also been a force for change and cohesion in the national industry.

“It’s difficult to put into words how much we appreciate everything Sam has done for Manitoba Music,” says Manitoba Music’s president, Ginette Lavack Walters. “Under his leadership, Manitoba Music has undergone a complete and total metamorphosis that is nothing short of amazing. Through Sam’s diligence and tenacity he has helped to create a music industry association that we are all proud to be a part of.”

Stasiuk’s selection as Baardman’s successor was a natural choice for Manitoba Music’s Board of Directors, says Lavack Walters. Stasiuk has worked closely with Baardman at the Board of Directors to develop Manitoba Music, its vision, and its mission.

“Sara’s passion for the Manitoba music industry is unsurpassed,” says Lavack Walters. “She has incomparable experience coupled with the innovative, forward-thinking qualities essential to leading our association to new heights and helping the Manitoba music industry succeed beyond our borders. We are delighted that Sara will be at the helm and know that Manitoba Music has a very bright future.”

Stasiuk looks forward to the challenge of her new position: “I’m thrilled to take on the role of executive director of Manitoba Music. The music industry is in the midst of exciting and dramatic changes and I look forward to helping our industry explore new territory, access international markets, and capitalize on fresh opportunities. Manitoba is home to pioneering, talented, and driven artists and companies. It’s an honour to work with them and help them succeed in today’s global market.”

Stasiuk’s first order of business will be to attend Germany’s Popkomm music industry conference and festival, which runs October 8-10 in Berlin, where she will help the Manitoba delegation meet and do business with new contacts.

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