NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 18, 2018–Accomplished public history professional Brenda Colladay will join the leadership team of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as vice president, museum services.

Colladay will draw on her wide-ranging experience as she assumes the role of administering the museum’s collection of more than 2.5 million artifacts. Colladay also will oversee planning, design and installation of exhibits in the museum’s gallery space, Historic RCA Studio BTM and the Taylor Swift Education Center.

"After working with Brenda in many capacities over the years, we’re delighted to welcome her officially to the museum team," said CEO Kyle Young. "Brenda brings a unique blend of relevant knowledge that will be invaluable to us as we continue to fulfill our mission of preserving and interpreting the history of country music."

Colladay brings a significant array of experience in country music history, museum services and tourism to the museum. She holds a master’s degree in public history from Middle Tennessee State University. Her expertise has been honed over more than two decades in the museum field, including 18 years with Gaylord Entertainment / Ryman Hospitality Partners as museum and photograph curator.

In 1997, Colladay became the first curator for the historical collections of WSM radio, Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. She developed and managed projects designed to educate and engage the public on country music history and key players in the story.

Most recently, Colladay has served in a consulting role for several noteworthy projects. She was project manager for the research and documentation of the history of RCA Studio A, and she was a historical advisor to the forthcoming documentary series Country Music by Ken Burns. Colladay also has done extensive work with the collection of country star Marty Stuart.

Colladay has curated multiple new exhibits for the Grand Ole Opry Museum, she managed and completed an upgrade of the Ryman Auditorium museum experience and she co-wrote the book Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. As a student, Colladay completed an internship at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

"I’ve watched in awe as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has grown into one of the world’s premier museums and art institutions, and I have nothing but respect for the incredible work that they do," said Colladay. "I am a longtime fan of the museum and its mission. The opportunity to lead and shape the future is a dream come true. I look forward to working with friends and colleagues at the museum as we continue to explore, expand and elevate the ways in which we preserve and share fascinating country music stories and collections."

Colladay’s predecessor, Carolyn Tate, is a 25-year veteran of the museum staff. "I could not be more pleased and confident to leave my legacy and my staff in Brenda’s capable hands," Tate said of Colladay’s appointment. "She is well respected and kind, and I know her vision will shine brightly in the museum’s future."

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Contact:

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Andrea Rizk  -  arizk@countrymusichalloffame.org

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The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum collects, preserves, and interprets country music and its history for the education and entertainment of diverse audiences. In exhibits, publications, and educational programs, the museum explores the cultural importance and enduring beauty of the art form. The museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and for the last three years in a row has welcomed over one million patrons each year, placing it among the ten most-visited history museums in the U.S. The Country Music Foundation operates Historic RCA Studio B™ , Hatch Show Print® poster shop, CMF Records, the Frist Library and Archive, and CMF Press. Museum programs are supported by Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum is available at www.countrymusichalloffame.org or by calling (615) 416-2001.