National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Appoints New Executive Director

Nonprofit executive Julia Rubio will step into the role

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is one of the largest global not-for-profit trade organizations, with a purpose to strengthen the music products industry — while also promoting the pleasures and benefits of making music.

NAMM recently appointed a new Executive Director in Julia Rubio. She succeeds Mary Luehrsen, who has decided to retire later in 2024 after 22 years of service to the organization.

Originally an orchestra teacher in public schools, Rubio has amassed a great deal of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Merakey Foundation (America's largest behavioral health nonprofit), and before that, she held Executive Director roles at high-performing cultural, arts, and educational nonprofits and foundations.

Rubio is a certified Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy with the American College of Financial Services and holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Columbia College Chicago. She also studied music education at Miami University.

Among other things, she will be responsible for NAMM’s grant program; Consider a Career In Music, a resource for school counselors, parents, and students preparing for college; Best Communities for Music Education, which recognizes commitment to music education in schools; and the signature sponsorship of Make Music Day — a celebration of music-making around the world.

"Julia’s abundance of experience and expertise in music education and performance, as well as in the nonprofit world, will have an immediate global impact on The NAMM Foundation and its critical endeavors and activities," said John Mlynczak, President and CEO of NAMM and President of The NAMM Foundation. "Her business acumen and leadership qualities are an ideal fit for our culture and will be instrumental in driving the Foundation’s mission, values and goals."

"I am beyond thrilled and honored to be joining The NAMM Foundation," Rubio said. "I’m eager to lead the Foundation in its mission while representing the generosity and philanthropy of the music products industry."