EXCLUSIVE: CMAA announce 2018 executive board positions

The Country Music Association of Australia has announced its 2018 executive board positions and office bearers.

Artist manager Dan Biddle has been named chairman, with head of ABC music and events Natalie Waller taking up the role of vice-chair. 

Biddle and Waller were appointed to their new positions unanimously by the board, and they’ll take the positions previously held by Dobe Newton and Roger Corbett respectively.

Newton has changed roles, now becoming president of the CMAA, and Corbett will expand his focus on CMAA Academy of Country Music growth as general manager of the academy.

Meryl Davis will remain secretary, as will Ross Johnson as treasurer.

“It is an honour to be entrusted with the role of Chairman for the CMAA, an organisation that has worked to further the interests of Australasian country music for over 25 years," said Biddle.

"I want to thank Dobe and Roger for their hard work and dedication to the members of the CMAA over the last 7 years and for steering the organisation towards a great era of confidence within the membership and stability within the industry.”

“I wholeheartedly support the appointment of Dan and Natalie to the positions of Chair & Vice-Chair and thank Roger for his tireless work over the last 7 years. Renewal through change and fresh ideas are crucial to the ongoing success of the CMAA," added Dobe.

"The level of talent being displayed by emerging artists is incredible and it’s an exciting time for us all to be part of the country music industry.”

Justin Thomson (Program/Content Director, KIX Country Radio Network), Lachlan Bryan (Recording Artist), Rebecca Belt (Journalist/Publicist) and Tom Inglis (Manager, HSF Artist Services) make up the remaining positions on the board.