Ballantyne Named President Of RIAA
• The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) today proudly elevates Michele Ballantyne to President. She will also continue to serve as Chief Operating Officer, running daily operations and managing the 56-employee team.
Beginning her tenure in 2004, Ballantyne serves on the executive leadership team alongside Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier while spearheading daily operations and representing RIAA at a wide range of policy and industry events. From championing legislative initiatives to celebrating iconic artists’ biggest moments, Ballantyne is always looking for new ways to support creators and protect their rights.
Born on St. Vincent in the Caribbean and raised mainly in Montreal, Ballantyne earned a B.A. from Carleton University in Ottawa, a Master’s from George Washington University and her law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center before going on to serve as General Counsel for Senator Tom Daschle, Special Assistant for President Bill Clinton and Special Counsel for John Podesta during his time as White House Chief of Staff. Ballantyne is also active in the community — she serves on the Anti-Defamation League’s Washington, D.C. Region Advisory Board in addition to her longstanding work on the advisory board of the Ron Brown Scholars, a program that uplifts low-income African-American high school seniors through scholarships, mentoring, leadership and service opportunities.
“As a music fan whose also had a front row seat to the Washington policymaking, I’m grateful to spend my days connecting these communities — helping them understand and work with each other,” Ballantyne said. “This expanded role leading RIAA alongside Mitch will allow us to continue fighting for a diverse industry that innovates, creates and thrives. Music has always had the power to shift perspectives and drive culture forward. I look forward to what our label partners and talented artists dream up next — and we will be here to champion it!”
Glazier remarked, “Michele and I have had the privilege of guiding RIAA and supporting our member companies through amazing celebrations and challenges in the industry. I’m grateful for her remarkable leadership and genuine care for people. Our playlists may not always be in sync, but our determination for a thriving and equitable community for music creators is.” [Photo courtesy of RIAA]
