H. Beecher Hicks, who led effort to build museum of African American music in Nashville, steps down

Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

New leadership is coming to the National Museum of African American Music after H. Beecher Hicks III stepped down as CEO.

Dion Brown, the board's COO was chosen to replace Hicks, according to a release from the NMAAM.

Hick was a visionary for NMAAM, playing a pivotal role in the museum's growth. The museum will hold a community appreciation celebration for Hicks at a later date.

More: National Museum of African American Music: Inside its 22-year journey to completion

“This has been an incredible ride,” Hicks said in a release. “I took on this role as a two-year commitment, and a decade later, it is unbelievable how far we’ve come. NMAAM showcases African American music, culture and history in a way that is not only important to Nashville but resonates around the world. It is humbling to have played a part in bringing this special project to fruition and setting it on a path for sustained success. It’s time for the next challenge, and I’m looking forward to new opportunities on the horizon.”

Brown brings 30 years of experience and has led day-to-day operations of the museum while working closely with Hicks.

"We are excited for Dion to step into this new role. He has over 30 years of experience in museum leadership and we are grateful for his continued leadership and guidance,” said NMAAM Board Chair Stacey Garrett Koju in the release.

Koju said Hick was invaluable to the museum's growth and development, a leader that shaped the museum into a world-class institution.

“Under his guidance, NMAAM has become a beacon of inspiration, education, and cultural preservation. We are deeply grateful for Henry's unwavering dedication and commitment to highlighting the rich history and profound impact of African American music. His passion and vision have set a solid foundation for the museum's continued success. We extend our sincere appreciation to Henry and wish him the very best in his future endeavors," Koju said.

H. Beecher Hicks III speaks during the National Museum of African American Music Celebration of Legends Benefit Concert of Legends Concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, June 17, 2021.
H. Beecher Hicks III speaks during the National Museum of African American Music Celebration of Legends Benefit Concert of Legends Concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, June 17, 2021.

Brown previously served as president and CEO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the founding executive director of the National Blues Museum, executive director of the B.B. King Museum and the Delta Interpretive Center and was a past board member of the Association of African American Museums.

"I have known Henry since 2012 and watched his extraordinary work to build NMAAM from a dream to a globally renowned museum. Henry has laid an exceptional path for all of us at the museum for the future. I am grateful for all he has done to build a home for Black music," Brown said. "I'm honored to step into this new role and continue the museum's mission to educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack."

Reach reporter Craig Shoup by email at cshoup@gannett.com and on Twitter @Craig_Shoup. To support his work, sign up for a digital subscription to www.tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: CEO of Nashville's National Museum of African American Music steps down