New York, NY (December 1, 2025) – A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music) today announces that General Manager Lisa Hresko has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of A2IM. In addition, Hresko has been announced as the first President of the Foundation of Independent Music by its board.
Hresko has been pivotal in A2IM’s growth since 2017. Over the past eight years, she has helped guide A2IM through a period of growth and transformation, helping to strengthen the organization’s advocacy position, expand its global reach, and build programs that directly benefit the independent sector.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization launched recently by A2IM, the Foundation of Independent Music is dedicated to empowering independent recording rights owners through education and resources. Lisa played an important role in launching the organization which since this year has become the presenting entity of Indie Week and the Libera Awards.
In the past year plus, Lisa contributed to the development of A2IM’s Star Certification–the first sales certification created exclusively for the independent sector. Her international trade strategy earned A2IM the 2024 President’s “E” Star Award for Export Services, recognizing a multi-year program she designed to expand U.S. independent music into new markets worldwide. She also helped shape a workplace culture that was honored as one of Women in Music’s ‘Best Places to Work in 2025’.
Under her supervision, A2IM’s annual Indie Week has grown into the largest independent record label conference in the world. Out of that, Lisa worked closely with AIR (Australian Independent Record Labels Association) designing and founding A2IM's first-ever global expansion, with the Indie Week Australia Edition, in July 2025.
Billboard has recognized Hresko’s leadership on its Women in Music list in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and on its Indie Power Players list in 2025. Her leadership has strengthened the foundation of the independent music industry and set a high standard for innovation, integrity, and impact.
“I am thrilled to be continuing the important work we are doing here at A2IM, representing some of the most vibrant, passionate and creative artists and labels in the music industry, and building out the work of the Foundation of Independent Music. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Richard and the rest of the A2IM team these past 8 years, and I look forward to building value for the independent community with Ian in the years ahead.” - Lisa Hresko, COO, A2IM + President, Foundation of Independent Music
“I’m absolutely delighted to see Lisa Hresko step into the roles of COO of A2IM and President of the Foundation for Independent Music. Having worked closely with Lisa since 2017, I’ve seen firsthand her intelligence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the independent music community. This promotion is richly deserved, and I couldn’t be happier for her—or more confident in the impact she’ll continue to make.” - Dr. Richard James Burgess MBE, President and CEO, A2IM
“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside Lisa as I begin my tenure as CEO of A2IM. Her incredible knowledge accrued over the past 8 years and her passion for the independent music industry is unparalleled, and I know together we can continue to expand upon the important work that lies ahead for A2IM and our members.” - Ian Harrison, CEO, A2IM
“Over the past eight years, I’ve watched Lisa’s work strengthen not just A2IM, but the independent community as a whole. She leads with clarity, consistency, and a deep understanding of what our members need. This promotion reflects the trust she’s earned across the organization, and I’m excited to see her continue shaping the future of independent music.” - Nabil Ayers (Beggars Group), A2IM Executive Committee, Chair