Board of Directors / Staff
Kellie Brown
Executive DirectorKellie Brown is a philanthropic focused marketer and strategist with more than 15 years of experience in program development, partner relations, and fundraising worldwide. She has worked for global brands including CNN, The NBA (National Basketball Association), and Hard Rock International where she led the creation of the Hard Rock Heals Foundation and designed programs that supported the growth of music based organizations in more than 85 countries. A graduate of Seminole State College and the University of Central Florida’s Non Profit Management program, Kellie is keen philanthropist both in training and in heart. She is the creator of Sound Circle Management, a boutique think tank and development firm focused on family run companies and local community growth. Kellie is a native of Long Beach, California. Some of her favorite songwriters are Fela Kuti, Nipsey Hussle, and Hil St Soul.
Kay Hanley
Chair, Board of DirectorsKAY HANLEY is a Peabody and Emmy-award-winning songwriter and co-founder of Songwriters Of North America, an advocacy organization focused on preserving the value of music and songwriter rights through legislative policy. SONA was instrumental in passing the Music Modernization Act which created the Mechanical Licensing Collective where Kay now serves as vice chair of the Unclaimed Royalty Oversight Committee. As a singer and songwriter, Kay is known for her work with her band Letters To Cleo and composing music for TV animation such as the hit Disney series Doc McStuffins, Cartoon Network/WB's DC Super Hero Girls, Harvey Girls Forever, and Ada Twist, Netflix’s Scientist, and currently as executive producer of Disney Junior’s upcoming Kindergarten: The Musical.
Anne Preven
Vice-Chair, Board of DirectorsAnne Preven is an award-winning songwriter, record producer and co-founder of Pulse Music Group. She has written songs for Beyoncé, Madonna, Sinéad O’Connor, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Zac Brown Band, Natalie Imbruglia, Demi Lovato, Jordin Sparks and many more. As lead singer of Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Ednaswap (@ednswap90s), she co-wrote “Torn” which was recorded by Natalie Imbruglia and went on to become one of the most performed songs of its decade. In 2007, Anne was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, and won the Critic’s Choice Award for “Listen,” performed by Beyoncé in the movie adaptation of Dreamgirls. Later she was honored with a Grammy nomination for “Where The River Goes,” her collaboration with Zac Brown Band. On screen, she has contributed music to various television shows and to several animated features including Tangled, Bolt, Playmobil, and Wonder Park. Anne produced the music for the finale of Amazon’s Emmy-award-winning Transparent, as well as Sony Pictures’ Cinderella starring Camilla Cabello. She is a proud supporter of @writegirl.
Jared Brenner
Secretary, Board of DirectorsJared Brenner is a transactional attorney and serves as Board Secretary and Director of both Songwriters of North America (SONA) and The SONA Foundation. A Senior Counsel at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP, Jared works at the intersection of music, media, and technology, advising artists, songwriters, producers, and managers on recording and publishing deals, catalog sales, and creative joint ventures. Before joining SAM, Jared practiced at a leading international law firm, where he advised startups, investors, and Fortune 500 companies on complex corporate and transactional matters. Jared brings a lifelong connection to music and a deep appreciation for how creative rights translate into long-term value. In addition to his music practice, he represents companies and investors in venture financings, mergers and acquisitions, and other complex corporate transactions, giving him practical insight into how creative and commercial interests intersect in the modern music economy.
Mark Pariser
Treasurer, Board of DirectorsNamed a Los Angeles Times 2024 Entertainment Business Visionary, MARK PARISER is CPA/Business Manager and Partner with Dunn Pariser Peyrot, and has over thirty years of experience providing business management and tax services for entertainers. Mark’s practice emphasizes the proactive management of the tax and financial affairs of a variety of people who work in film, television, music and technology. His clientele also includes composers, songwriters, touring acts, international executives and entrepreneurs, and other high net worth individuals and their businesses.
John Bitrick
At-Large, Board of DirectorsJohn Bitrick, MBA, is a long-time veteran in finance and banking for the creative industries, with over 20 years as a senior banker in City National Bank's Entertainment Banking division, where he played key roles in structuring substantial credit facilities for artists and corporations in copyright and broader intellectual property rights. John currently serves as the Principal of Media & Music: Finance & Strategy, which specializes in strategic planning, acquisitions, and financing within the music industry.
Amberly Crouse
At-Large, Board of DirectorsAmberly Crouse-Knox is a prominent executive in the music publishing industry, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Sync Services & Partnerships for North America and LATAM at BMG. She is a key figure in the world of synchronization (sync), which involves placing music in film, television, advertising, and other media. Her contributions to the music industry have been recognized with honors such as the She Rocks Award in 2018, which celebrates accomplished women in the music industry. She has also served as a jury member for the prestigious Clio Music awards.
Aimee Felise
At-Large, Board of DirectorsAward-winning singer-songwriter and topliner from Southern California, Aimee Felise crafts melodies and lyrics that hit you right in the heart for both artists and sync licensing. With a background in communication and education, Aimee is passionate about empowering fellow songwriters on their creative journey. She is the proud editor of the international book sensation Fire Up Your Songwriting, and also partners with independent artists to showcase and represent their catalogs for sync opportunities. Her credits include relevant names like Sony/ATV, Paramount, CW, USC, The Never List, and Hallmark films.
Arielle Silver
Program ManagerSinger-songwriter Arielle Silver is an award-winning storyteller whose songs weave imagery, empathy, and insight into quietly powerful folk-rooted narratives. Alongside her work as a performing songwriter and literary writer, for 15+ years she has designed and led interdisciplinary programming for mission-driven programs that support creative practice, personal growth, and community engagement. She has spent over a decade developing and leading programs rooted in yoga, embodiment, and creative inquiry through her own platform, as faculty at Antioch University, and as a yoga educator (ERYT-500/YACEP).