April 14, 2025 I Appointments
NAMM Announces Newly Elected ExCom Officers
From left: newly appointed chair Chris White, newly appointed vice chair Joe Castronovo, newly appointed treasurer Whitney Brown Grisaffi, newly appointed secretary Jake Connolly and NAMM CEO John Mlynczak.
The NAMM board of directors has elected the 2025 officers to represent the executive committee, effective immediately. The ExCom will serve through April 2026, representing NAMM’s global membership and the music industry at large in fulfilling NAMM’s vision and mission.
The 2025 executive committee includes: chair Chris White, vice chair Joseph Castronovo, treasurer Whitney Brown Grisaffi and secretary Jake Connolly.
“NAMM is appreciative to have talented industry leaders reside on the executive committee, who will lead our organization forward into new areas of opportunity for our diverse global membership,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO, who also serves on the executive committee.
This vote and seamless transition sees White, who previously held NAMM’s vice chair position, move into his new role as chair of NAMM’s board of directors. White is president and CEO of White House of Music, an MI retailer specializing in school band and orchestra, fretted, percussion, keyboards, print and digital media, lessons and repair services across several locations in Wisconsin.
“I am truly honored to continue my service to the music industry in my new role as NAMM chair, further helping NAMM and its members reach their goals, the most important of which is helping create more music makers,” White said. “Through my involvement with NAMM, I have learned that networking builds beneficial and productive communities; that educational opportunities provide vital catalysts for new and ongoing musical ventures; and that in today’s world, music advocacy is more important than ever. I am excited to be at the forefront of continuing diversification and broadening inclusivity in both our members and the products and services we represent.”
White welcomed new vice chair Castronovo, who previously served as the NAMM’s treasurer. Castronovo is president and CEO of Korg USA, headquartered in Melville, New York. Grisaffi was also welcomed into a new executive committee role as she transitions from secretary to treasurer. Grisaffi is the president of Ted Brown Music Co. in Tacoma, Washington. The company has six locations, with its flagship store and corporate headquarters located in Tacoma.
The newest member of the executive committee is secretary, Jake Connolly. Connolly is the CEO and owner of Connolly Music Company in East Northport, New York. Connolly Music Company is the U.S. source for a range of best-in-class music products brands, including Thomastik-Infeld strings, König & Meyer stands, Revelle instruments and bows, Magic Rosin, The Realist transducers and instruments, Jargar strings, Boveda humidification and more.
“I am truly honored and excited by the opportunity to serve our industry in this capacity,” Connolly said. “I look forward to working with the board of directors in executing NAMM’s vision, mission and objectives — and serving as an ambassador representing all NAMM members globally.”
Outgoing Chair Tom Sumner was honored during the recent NAMM board meeting and applauded for his service on the executive committee over the past eight years. Reflecting, Sumner offered,
“It has been an honor to represent our global NAMM membership as chair during the past two years,” Sumner said. “During that time, I have been privileged and proud of the positive impact NAMM has made globally as we continue to make more music makers every day.”
