A clash over the future of the East Coast Music Awards has led the board of directors to part ways with chief executive Blanche Israël.
A statement by the East Coast Music Association says Israël left her role Monday following "a thorough review of our leadership and operations" ahead of the next awards show in St. John's this spring.
The shakeup comes after an online petition launched late last year with some members calling for "transparency and stability" amid an array of changes that affected the awards and its associated festival.
The petition said local members felt "uneasy and confused" by a lack of clarity and consultation on several matters, including "significant modifications" to the awards application process.
They also noted that “long-standing contractors with deep institutional knowledge” had been left out of future plans despite years of involvement.
The board said in a statement that former CEO Andy McLean will step in as interim managing director while the search for a new CEO gets underway.
Representatives for the ECMA did not immediately return requests for comment.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2024.
David Friend, The Canadian Press
