MTSU alumnus Pete Fisher is leaving his executive position with the Grand Ole Opry to become CEO of the Academy of Country Music in California, the academy announced Monday.
After 17 years as vice president and chief executive officer of the Nashville-based Opry, Fisher will officially assume his new role with the ACM on Jan. 30 and is expected to relocate with his wife, Hope, to the West Coast in the coming weeks, according to an ACM news release.
Fisher earned a bachelor’s degree in Recording Industry Management from Middle Tennessee State University in 1987 and was recognized as a distinguished alumnus in 2004. He also serves on the Board of Trust for the MTSU College of Media and Entertainment.
“As I enter my 30th year in the country music industry, I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given to serve those who both create country music and those who help connect that great music with fans all over the world,” Fisher said in a statement.
“I want to thank the Officers and Board for giving me this exciting opportunity to lead the Academy into a new era. I look forward to collaborating with them and our passionate and talented staff, charting an exciting course into the future.”
At the Opry Fisher managed the daily operations of the 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House and produced its weekly Opry shows along with numerous audio projects and television specials.
“Pete has served the Academy of Country Music for 14 years as an active, engaged Board member and his skills as an innovative leader are proven,” said Ken Tucker, chairman of the Academy’s Board of Directors, in the ACM news release.
“Pete is a team builder, a champion of the importance of office culture and a person who believes strongly in discerning and following a strategic path alongside those around him. Through Pete’s successful leadership, the Opry became a place that recognized the importance of exposing legendary, contemporary and emerging artists equally.”
Fisher will be only the second CEO in the ACM’s 53-year-history. Bob Romeo stepped down from the post in May 2016 after 13 years. According to the ACM, Fisher’s entertainment experience ranges from artist management to music publishing, with a special emphasis placed on service to a variety of music industry organizations.
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