The Memphis-based Blues Foundation has announced the appointment of Patricia Wilson Aden as its next president and CEO.
Aden — who most recently served as president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia and was the longtime executive director of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation — will join the Blues Foundation staff officially on Oct. 1, succeeding Barbara Newman, who is retiring after five years leading the organization.
In a release announcing the hiring of Aden, the Blues Foundation noted she “brings more than three decades of non-profit management experience to the Foundation, with a specialization in the preservation and celebration of African American cultural resources.”
“I am genuinely excited to join The Blues Foundation and the Blues community in celebrating the Blues and the artists who have made it America’s original musical genre,” said Aden in a statement.
Under Newman’s leadership, the 40-year-old Blues Foundation continued its steady growth. The organization hailed Newman’s work expanding annual events like the International Blues Challenge and Blues Music Awards.
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Most recently, Newman was also instrumental in the foundation’s COVID-19 response, developing a “a relief fund to provide financial support for basic living necessities to Blues musicians whose income streams have evaporated in the wake of the pandemic.” To date the organization has given over $250,000 to blues musicians and professionals.
Michael Freeman, chairman of The Blues Foundation’s Board of Directors, lauded Newman’s service. “We wish Barbara Newman the very best for a wonderful retirement and with the greatest appreciation for her tireless dedication to The Blues Foundation,” Freeman said.
Freeman added that thanks to Newman’s “vision and leadership we are well positioned to welcome Patty Aden as our new President and CEO to continue the forward movement of the organization. We are thrilled to have found such an experienced and well-respected leader and look forward to welcoming her.”