Dion Brown Retires as President and CEO of the National Museum of African American Music

Dion Brown/EIN

Dion Brown, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Museum of African American Music, has announced his immediate retirement from the position.

Brown succeeded former CEO Henry Beecher Hicks III and has played a vital role in guiding the Nashville institution through a period of leadership transition, maintaining its financial health, and establishing the museum as a key cultural and educational resource. During his tenure, he significantly enhanced the museum’s educational initiatives, forged strategic partnerships with leaders in the music industry, and improved the visitor experience with innovative exhibits and performances. He also made substantial contributions to elevating the museum’s profile within the wider arts and cultural community. Under his guidance, NMAAM has experienced remarkable growth, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment that honors the influence of African American music on global culture.

“Dion’s leadership has been truly transformative,” remarked Stacey Koju, Chair of the Board of Trustees at NMAAM. “His commitment, enthusiasm, and vision have turned NMAAM into a cultural institution that resonates with individuals from all walks of life. His dedication to ensuring the museum remains a hub for education, celebration, and inspiration has laid a strong foundation for its future.”

“Leading the National Museum of African American Music has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Brown. “It has been an honor to collaborate with so many talented individuals who are passionate about preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of African American artists and musicians. I take pride in all we have achieved together and leave with the confidence that the museum is well-equipped to continue its vital mission for generations to come.”

In light of Brown’s departure, the Board of Trustees has assembled a special leadership team comprising board members and key staff to oversee the museum during this transition period. They will also begin the process of identifying a successor who will uphold Brown’s legacy and advance the museum’s mission of recognizing the essential contributions of African Americans to the history and evolution of music in the United States.

About NMAAM

NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. The museum’s expertly-curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present.

Dion’s statement from Linkedin:

After retiring from the military in 2003, I began my museum journey on October 31st, 2005. Now 19 years later and after 16 years leading museums, I am announcing my retirement. What a blessing this journey HE has led me on as I would have never thought we would accomplish so much at each of the institutions that I have been honored to lead.
It all started with one of the greatest museum professionals I know, Alberto Meloni. He told me “You have what it takes to be a President of a museum and I’m going to teach you everything I know.” Thank you, Alberto, for seeing and believing in me.
Michael Devine contacted me in 2010 and wanted me to apply for a position in Las Vegas. I was a finalist for that job, and it went to another candidate. Within a couple of months, he contacted me and said I have the perfect job for you, Executive Director of the BB King Museum. Thank you, Mike, for believing in me.
Dr. Deborah Mack played such a role in my career as an ED/President that I will be forever grateful to her. It is not just me that she has had a tremendous career impact on. Her mark is felt all over the world through her work, passion, and love of all museums. She is also who introduced me to the incredible organization Association of African American Museums, and immediately and reluctantly added me to the board of directors in which I served for twelve years. Thank you, Dr. Mack.
To all my board chairs that entrusted me to lead their organizations. Susan Skiba (Exploration Place); Bill McPherson (BB King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center); Rob Endicott (National Blues Museum); Rev Damon Lynch Jr. and Beverly Grant (National Underground Railroad Freedom Center); and Stacey Koju (National Museum of African American Music). Thank you for all the work you pour into these institutions that go unrecognized. Salute

Dion Brown, retirement, National Museum of African American Music, CEO, leadership transition, African American music

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