Leadership

The people who lead the National Museum of African American Music share one conviction: that the story of African American music belongs at the center of the American story, and that telling it well is worth doing right.

 

Our executive team, directors, and Board of Directors guide the museum’s growth, steward its collection, and build the partnerships that carry this music to audiences in Nashville and far beyond it.


President

President

William E. Jeffries

Since joining NMAAM in 2022, Bill has guided the museum from its opening years into national standing, and now leads its expansion into a global institution. He brings over 20 years of museum leadership and a record of securing multimillion dollar grants that carry educational programming and exhibitions to communities nationwide, along with the $45 million comprehensive campaign that will fund the museum’s next five years.


Executive Team


Executive Vice President, Innovation & Global Engagement

Dr. Dexter D. Evans

Dexter turns cultural vision into built reality as the executive leading NMAAM’s expansion from a museum on Broadway into a global institution, overseeing its collections, scholarship, education, artist relationships, and digital future after generating $25MM+ for cultural institutions.

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Chief financial officer

Michelle Colquitt

Michelle leads NMAAM’s financial strategy and stewardship with over twenty years in accounting and finance, a CPA license, and a proven record of building the systems, controls, and reporting discipline that let a growing institution scale with confidence.


Vice PResident, Operations & Culture

Tomicka Delgado

Tomicka champions NMAAM’s people-first culture as a dedicated human resources leader whose passion for music and proven expertise in operational excellence now extends across our people, operations, technology, and guest experience, ensuring our team can focus on delivering transformative experiences that celebrate African American musical excellence.

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Vice PResident, Venue & Enterprise operations

Zachary Barnes

Zach drives NMAAM’s earned revenue as a sales and hospitality leader whose experience at the Grand Ole Opry House and Ryman Auditorium informs how he builds the events, venue operations, and enterprise business that sustain the museum’s mission.


DIRECTORS

Assistant Director, Partnerships

Alyssa DiTuro

 

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Tom Gambill headshot

Director, Facilities

Tom Gambill

 

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Director, Information Technology

Russell Henley

 

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Director, Security

Tavion Parrish

 

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Director, Curatorial

Dr. Bryan Pierce

 

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Director, Education

Nikki Walker

 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NMAAM’s Board of Directors brings together leaders from the music industry, business, law, education, and philanthropy, united by a shared belief in the power of this music and the importance of preserving it. The board guides the museum’s strategic direction and stewards its long-term future.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sherri Neal Crowley

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Thomas G. Curtis

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Calvin Dunning, II

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Douglas Hagerman

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Board Vice Chair

Monique Idlett

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Keri Floyd Kelly

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Board Chair

Stacey Garrett Koju

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Robin Lyon

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Loren Mulraine

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Tim Reid

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Mozianio S. (“Trey”) Reliford, III

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Shannon Sanders

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Brian Sexton

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Marie Sueing

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Brett C. Sweet

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Phil Thornton

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Damon Williams

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Dyana Williams

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