Nashville music industry leaders Mike Sistad and Evyn Mustoe Johnston have exited their roles at ASCAP. The executives tell Billboard the move was unexpected.
Sistad was promoted to vp of Nashville membership in 2019 and has served at the company for 25 years, having joined in 2001 as creative director on the company’s Nashville Membership team. A Minnesota native, she has worked in both the creative and business sectors of music. A Belmont University graduate, she’s worked as an A&R exec at Arista Records Nashville, worked with Muscle Shoals producer/musician Barry Beckett and was a band member for two-time ASCAP country songwriter-artist of the year Phil Vassar. She has also served as a board governor and chapter advisor for the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy, in addition to being a CMA and ACM member and a Leadership Music alum.
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Sistad said in a statement, “I am proud of our Nashville team and my 25+ years with ASCAP. My heart is, and always will be, with the songwriters and musicians that give this town its voice. Thank you to Connie Bradley for bringing me to ASCAP and all my friends in our Nashville Music community. I look forward to my next chapter and will see you soon.”
Johnston most recently worked as assistant vp in ASCAP’s Nashville office and worked at ASCAP for 14 years, joining the company in 2012. During her time at ASCAP, Johnston coordinated event performances for ASCAP’s songwriter members on stages including Americana Music Fest, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and 30A Songwriters Festival, as well as curated songwriter camps, showcases and more.
Johnston said in a statement, “I have deep respect, love, and am extremely grateful for every experience and memory that came with my nearly 15 years at ASCAP. Nashville is home, music is a huge part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to be an advocate for songwriters, publishers, and all creators in this town I love so much.”
Billboard has reached out to ASCAP with a request for comment on the exits.