NIVA names new President and Board
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) named a new President, officers and board members at his annual convention in Milwaukee this week.
Earlier on Monday, the US independent live music trade group released a landmark State of Live study. It showed 64% of independent venues struggling with profitability alongside $153.1 billion in total economic impact from the sector. [Full Hypebot coverage here.]
NIVA names new President and Board
Audrey Fix Schaefer was named as NIVA’s Board President. Schaefer, who is the Communications Director for I.M.P. in Washington, D.C., previously served as NIVA’s Vice President and Communications Director.
“When I look at my NIVA family, I see audaciously smart and courageous people from big towns and small, who fight for artists, their communities, their employees, and their fans,” said Schaefer. “I’m still absorbing all they have achieved —from the $16 billion Save Our Stages bill to the effort to protect fans from predatory ticket scalpers. For us, music and comedy equal life. I’m remembering the words of NIVA’s co-founder and first president, Dayna Frank, who said in the throes of the pandemic, when nothing was certain, ‘First we survive, then we thrive.’ It’s an honor to support NIVA’s members, staff, and the board in whatever challenges and opportunities come next. Together, we’re a force.”
NIVA’s membership also elected two new Board Members: Courtney McClary Yug, Director of Operations at SBG Productions, and Gary Witt, CEO and Co-Owner at The Pabst Theater Group.
Additionally, Kira Karbocus, Founder and Principal Consultant at Karbocus & Co., was named NIVA’s new Treasurer.
2025-2026 NIVA Board
- President: Audrey Fix Schaefer, Head of Communications, I.M.P.
- Vice President: Brad Grossman, COO of Helium Comedy
- Vice President: Jim Brunberg, Founder, Revolution Hall, Mississippi Studios; Composer/Performer
- Treasurer: Kira Karbocus, President and COO of Newport Festivals Foundation
- Secretary: Sean Watterson, President and Co-Owner of The Happy Dog
- Board Member: Courtney McClary Yug, Director of Operations at SBG Productions
- Board Member: Gary Witt, CEO/Co-Owner of Pabst Theater Group/Milwaukee
- Board Member: Andre Perry, Executive Director of the Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement at Iowa University
- Board Member: Grace Blake, Programming Director at City Winery NYC
- Board Member: Jamie Loeb, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Nederlander Concerts
- Board Member: Katie Tuten, Owner of Hideout
