CMA names interim head

Monday, July 8, 2013 – The search to replace former CMA CEO Steve Moore, who resigned from the organization on June 30, is starting, Troy Tomlinson, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors, announced today.

Board President Ed Hardy will oversee day-to-day operations of the CMA.

"CMA Board leadership and the CMA Executive Committee have a comprehensive plan during this transition," Tomlinson said.

Hardy will be the board's transitional liaison with the CMA management team while the search takes place. "Ed is respected in the industry, and I am confident that his experience and leadership will be of tremendous value to the staff at CMA," Tomlinson said.

Hardy has been a member of the CMA Board of Directors for eight years, serving on every committee. He was named President-Elect in 2012 and assumed the role of president on Jan. 1.

A graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in communications/journalism, Hardy was President of Scripps Network Interactive/Great American Country (GAC) Television Network from 2004 until 2012, where he led the successful integration of GAC into Scripps Networks. The move marked his return to Scripps, after having spent nine years as vice president of KUPL AM/FM in Portland, Ore.

Tomlinson said a search committee will be named and will be charged with identifying the most qualified candidates for the position. A process for submitting applicants will be announced at a later date. Until a process is announced, no applications are being accepted.