The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), the leading advocacy group for U.S. independent agents, managers, and the thousands of artists they represent, has announced newly elected board officers.
As the independent live music sector faces a "crucial time," the organization is doubling down on its mission to fight for fairness, transparency, and protection of the independent live ecosystem.
NITO Leadership Team
NITO’s board has re-elected Wayne Forte (Entourage Talent Associates) as President and Nelly Neben (Axis Artist Management) as Treasurer. Joining the executive ranks are Stormy Shepard (Leave Home Booking), elected as Vice-President, and Amy Butterer (outer/most), who will serve as Secretary.
"I congratulate my fellow officers and thank the Board for the vote of confidence to lead NITO for another term," said Forte. "We’ve made great strides... advocating for our members and their artists, and fighting for fairness in industry practices, reasonable ticketing fees and resale, performing rights, data sharing, and more. But there is so much more to do."
A Growing Voice for the Independent Sector
The leadership announcement comes alongside the introduction of several new and returning board members, representing a powerhouse of independent industry expertise:
- New Board Members: Thomas Cussins (Ineffable Music Group), Alex Fang (New Frontier Touring), Liz Pjesky (High Road Touring), and Amanda Silecchio-Frederick (Madison House).
- Re-elected/Continuing Board Members: Adam Bauer (Dynamic Talent International), Jon Grau (Thirty Tigers), Randy Nichols (Fly South Music Group), Steve Schenck (TKO), Scott Sokol (Pinnacle Entertainment), Michel Vega (Magnus Talent Agency), Matt Yasecko (ROAM), David Gottlieb (Death Or Glory), Fielding Logan (Q Prime), Maria Matias (Maria Matias Music), and Jack Randall (The Kurland Agency).
Day to day, NITO is run by Executive Director Nathaniel Marro.
Hypebot's Bottom Line
The National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), along with independent venue trade group NIVA are important and vocal leaders in the fight against predatory ticket resale practices and monopolistic industry behavior.
As NITO President Wayne Forte noted, the current climate for the independent live industry is more precarious than ever. With this new board in place, NITO is signaling that it will continue to be a relentless advocate for independents in an increasingly consolidated market.
