Portia Sabin, a former drummer, artist manager and label exec, will take over as head of The Music Business Association, succeeding longtime President James Donio.

Donio will remain in an advisory role after Sabin takes over day-to-day operations beginning 9/3. Donio, who has been president of the org since 2003, will remain in an advisory role.

“From spearheading the creation of the A2IM Libera Awards to starting a podcast to educate musicians and others, Portia has been a strong advocate for the music business as a whole,” said Music Biz Board Chairman Matt Signore.

“Her extensive experience serving on several national boards, including A2IM, the RIAA and the Recording Academy, will add to her effectiveness as President of the Association."

Sabin, who earned a Ph.D. in Anthropology at Columbia University in 2004, ran the artist management company Shotclock Management before taking over the reins at Kill Rock Stars in 2006. In 2014, she created the popular music business podcast The Future of What. She was the drummer in New York pop-punk band The Hissyfits.

In the announcement, Signore praised Donio for broadening the organization’s identity, rebranding it as the Music Business Association, moving the annual Music Biz Conference to Nashville in 2015 and growing attendance at the Conference.

"We are extremely grateful to Jim for his more than three decades of commitment, leadership and vision," Signore. "He has passionately guided the organization through any number of seismic industry changes and challenges during his tenure.”

Donio plans to continue his professorships in Music Business at Monmouth University in New Jersey and Temple University in Philadelphia, as well as engaging in other consulting and writing opportunities.

"I have spent literally half of my life at this Association, and the memorable experiences I've had and the close relationships and friendships I've made in the industry are irreplaceable," said Donio, who spoke at length about his career prior to the 2018 confab.

"I've also had the incredible good fortune to work with the most amazing staff of professionals that I consider to be more than colleagues...they are family to me. I wish Portia the best in her new adventure and look forward to working with everyone to help the organization continue to grow and prosper."