BALLANTYNE NAMED RIAA PREZ

The RIAA has named Michele Ballantyne president, though she’ll continue to function as COO, including management of the org’s 56-employee team. Ballantyne, who began her tenure at the RIAA in 2004, serves on the executive leadership team alongside Chairman/CEO Mitch Glazier.

“Michele and I have had the privilege of guiding RIAA and supporting our member companies through amazing celebrations and challenges in the industry,” Glazier said. “I am 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.”

Raised primarily in Montreal, Ballantyne holds a B.A. from Carleton University in Ottawa, a master's degree from George Washington University and a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center. Among the roles she performed before joining the RIAA: general counsel for Sen. Tom Daschle and special assistant to former President Bill Clinton.

Ballantyne proudly identified as a nerd until she met us and realized she’s actually pretty cool by comparison. She looks forward to dodging us at music biz events.