The Recording Industry Association of America today announced three new hires expanding its communications and creative teams. Coming on board are: Erin Burr as VP of Media Relations, a seasoned music industry communications veteran; Jonathan Mancera as Digital Strategist, also bringing video design and editing skills; and Ashley Donald as Studio and Stage Manager, an experienced audio engineer to oversee events and sound production at the association’s DC events space and recording studio (recently featured in Billboard Magazine).
“Erin Burr has built a career helping artists break through and tell their stories on the biggest media stages in the world,” said RIAA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mitch Glazier. “And now at RIAA she can expand on that incredible track record advocating for smart policies that support all music creators and strengthen the foundation for the entire recorded music industry for years to come. We are thrilled Erin is joining the RIAA team.”
“Not many DC trade associations employ sound engineers and videographers, but RIAA has always put music and the arts first in everything we do,” said RIAA Chief Operating Officer Michele Ballantyne. “Jonathan and Ashley supercharge a creative team led by our longtime VP of Creative and Brand Strategy Rose Connelly with unique new tools to tell music’s story, spread its joy in the DC community, and shine an even brighter spotlight on the work of our iconic record label members.”
“As I celebrate my first year as a DC resident, it’s exciting and serendipitous to begin this new professional adventure. I am grateful to Mitch, Michele and the incredible RIAA community for the warm welcome and look forward to amplifying and advocating for fellow creators in the recorded music industry,” said Erin Burr, RIAA’s new VP of Media Relations.
Digital Strategist Jonathan Mancera added, “Music has always been a huge part of my personal life and I am thrilled it’s now at the center of my professional life as well.”
And Studio and Stage Manger Ashley Donald said, “I am so thankful to be a part of RIAA, a community that consistently pushes the music industry in the right direction. I look forward to cultivating a studio and performance space that allows artists to feel safe, creative, and inspired.”
