06/04/2026
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced today that Executive Director Ken White has resigned from his position. The IBMA Board of Directors has accepted White’s resignation and expressed appreciation for his service to the bluegrass community.
“Ken is beloved within our family, and we appreciate his dedication to the IBMA. We wish him the very best,” said Anna Frick, Chair of the IBMA Board of Directors.
“We are grateful that Paul Schiminger has graciously agreed to serve as Interim Executive Director to ensure a successful World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga and transition to new leadership. With six and a half years of experience as a former IBMA Executive Director, Paul brings valuable knowledge, familiarity, and a deep commitment to our community,” Frick continues.
White had this to say about his time with the organization: “It has been a dream of a lifetime and a privilege beyond measure serving as the Executive Director of this organization. I gave my whole heart to this music that stole it sixty years ago in my home state of Kentucky. Perhaps I’m most proud of the formidable team I was fortunate to assemble - Elizabeth Dewey, Amy Combs, Maggie O’Connor, Haley Grimm and Amy Beth Hale. You are in good hands with these extraordinary folks. I was preaching the gospel of bluegrass music long before I came to Nashville, and I’ll be singing the tenor part and picking an old Martin forevermore. I continue to be a proud lifetime member of IBMA.”
“The IBMA Board is ready for this next chapter,” Frick said. “We are focused on serving our members, strengthening the organization, and creating a better future for bluegrass. We’re grateful for the support of our community as we move forward.”
Additional information about the executive search process will be shared in the coming weeks.
For more information about the IBMA and its programs, visit ibma.org and worldofbluegrass.org.
