John Mlynczak Named President and CEO of The National Association of Music Merchants

After a comprehensive year-long search, The NAMM Executive Committee and CEO Search Committee is pleased to announce industry veteran and music education advocate John Mlynczak as the next President and CEO of The National Association of Music Merchants.

The announcement occurred earlier today at meetings with NAMM’s Board of Directors and NAMM staff. At the meetings, Joel Menchey, NAMM Chair and President of Menchey Music Service, affirmed his confidence in the process and decision: “Through an exhaustive search both in and outside the industry and interviews with many exceptional candidates, we were so pleased that John stepped forward. He is clearly the right person to lead NAMM during this pivotal time in our organization’s history.”  

Upon the announcement, Joe Lamond, NAMM President and CEO, shared, “Since 1946, our industry association has been under the steady guidance and management of only three CEOs. With John’s knowledge of the industry and proximity to NAMM through his work as a music education advocate, our members will benefit from the tradition of a seamless, stable transition. I am confident that he will continue to champion our industry and our vision, mission, and objectives.”

With the news made public, Mlynczak said, “Throughout the course of my career, I have experienced firsthand the work of NAMM and the invaluable connections, opportunities, and advocacy of the association in creating more music makers. I am honored to serve NAMM and our members by continuing to strengthen the music products industry and promote the pleasures and benefits of making music.”

Mlynczak comes to the organization with extensive experience in the music products, education, and technology industry, having most recently served as the Vice President of Music Education & Technology at Hal Leonard. While there, he oversaw the worldwide education market strategy, managed all education software products, and collaborated on all music education technology initiatives for the global organization. His previous roles include Managing Director of Noteflight and Director of Education for PreSonus Audio.

Mlynczak is the immediate Past President of the Technology Institute of Music Educators (TI:ME), has taught online graduate courses at VanderCook College, served as the Advocacy Chair of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association, and was on the NAfME Advocacy Leadership Force.

​Before his career at Hal Leonard, John served as Director of Education for PreSonus Audio, developing curriculum, products, and marketing strategies for music education technology.  ​

As an educator, Mlynczak taught general music, band, choir, marching band, and music technology.  He started the first music technology course in Louisiana and wrote the state curriculum for an officially approved course. From 2011- 2013, Mlynczak served as Chairman of the Creative Arts Assessment Committee in Louisiana and provided model assessment for the creative arts. 

Mlynczak earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and holds Masters Degrees in both Music Performance and Education Leadership from Louisiana State University. 

The search for the NAMM President and CEO was launched in April 2022 after the announcement of Lamond’s retirement in 2021. The NAMM Executive Committee retained executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to aid in the process. The firm detailed the position and related responsibilities, which include carrying out the vision, mission, and objectives of the global association; directing professional and support staff in the creation, planning, and coordination of programs to meet objectives; serving as an advocate for core industry issues; and directing those engaged in building the industry’s annual gathering, The NAMM Show, among other responsibilities.

Mlynczak will join the NAMM team in Carlsbad, California, on April 3 and officially assume the role of CEO on Monday, May 1.  

Meet Mlynczak and reconnect with your industry peers at The 2023 NAMM Show, April 13-15 in Anaheim, California. Registration is now open at https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend