NASHVILLE ASSOCIATION OF TALENT DIRECTORS (NATD) RECOGNIZE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY LEADERS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 10, 2015) – The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) annual Gala honored the best in their respective fields, including Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern, Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Artist Manager at Red Light Management Charlie Brusco, Voice of the Nashville Predators Pete Weber, “American Pickers” creator and host Mike Wolfe, and APA Senior VP and Partner Steve Lassiter.

The 2015 Honorees were chosen by the NATD Board of Directors, under the leadership of President Steve Tolman of LogiCom. "The NATD Honors Gala has become a memorable evening for all over the last few years. The fact that we can honor such talented industry professionals all the while giving back to the community and those in need make it very special," said Tolman.

“This is truly a humbling honor and I appreciate NATD for bringing us all together to raise money for scholarships, support our friends in the business,” said APA Senior VP and Partner Steve Lassiter.

During a surprise moment at the beginning of the evening, NATD honored Webster Public Relations’ Kirt Webster with the Board of Directors Award. During his acceptance speech Webster spoke about the camaraderie he shares with his colleagues in the entertainment industry. “We’re all family here. While there’s certainly competition, we all know we’re looking out for our respective clients. And that’s what it’s all about. I love what I do because it’s my passion,” Webster said.

For more than 50 years NATD has served as an idea exchange for Nashville-based entertainment industry professionals to develop relationships within our close-knit community. During the year NATD hits the road and presents the College of Knowledge program where panels of industry experts speak to college students interested in the entertainment industry. At each program NATD awards a $2500 scholarship to talented college students. The organization also aims to honor and recognize deserving men and women in the industry in a variety of ways while raising money for scholarships and charitable causes.

Past honorees include:
2015 – Mayor Megan Barry, Sarah Trahern, Charlie Brusco, Mike Wolfe, Peter Weber, Steve Lassiter, and Kirt Webster
2014 – Gov. Bill Haslam, Rob Beckham, Tim Corbin, Demetria Kalodimos, Michael W. Smith, JP Williams, and Charlie Daniels
2013 – Bernie Cahill, Tom Condon, Chaz Corzine, Martina McBride, Kevin Neal, and Bob Romeo
2012 – Mike Fisher, Clint Higham, John Huie, George Jones, Robert Williams and Alan Valentine
2011 – Alabama, Tony Conway, Mayor Karl Dean, James H. Gosnell Jr., and Barry Trotz

For more information, please visit www.n-a-t-d.com.