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Leadership change at E.C.M.A.

There’s been a shakeup at the East Coast Music Association.

In a release, the board of directors says it parted ways with CEO Blanche Israël on Monday after a review of leadership and operations.

Former CEO Andy McLean will be interim managing director as they prepare for this May’s ECMAs in St. John’s, NL.

This move comes after concerns about recent sweeping changes within the organization prompted some ECMA members to launch an online petition calling for transparency and stability in October.

The petition stated that these decisions were made without consulting those the association serves, such as industry professionals and cultural stakeholders.

“Long-standing contractors with deep institutional knowledge have been let go, and significant modifications have been made to the awards application process.”

Our newsroom has reached out to the ECMA and the petition organizer for comment.


  • Kelli Rickard began her broadcasting career nearly 40 years ago and has worked at radio stations in New Brunswick, Ontario and Nova Scotia. Based in Halifax, she anchors morning newscasts and covers stories across Nova Scotia. Contact Kelli at rickardk@radioabl.ca.

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