The National Independent Venue Association Announces Three New Board Members
Live Industry Veterans David Weingarden of Z2 Entertainment; Cassie Dickson of Audiotree, Lincoln Hall, and Schubas Tavern; and Shayna Melgaard of Hennepin Arts Join NIVA’s Board of Directors
(July 15, 2026) – The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) announces three newly elected members of the Board of Directors, each of whom will serve as industry and community champions: David Weingarden, Vice President, Concerts + Events at Z2 Entertainment, LLC; Cassie Dickson, Director of HR and Project Manager for Audiotree, Lincoln Hall, and Schubas Tavern; and Shayna Melgaard, Director of Programming and Talent Buyer, Hennepin Arts.
Their addition to the Board of Directors reflects NIVA’s continued commitment to diverse industry representation, strong leadership, and amplifying the voices of independent venues.
“NIVA’s newest board members bring a wealth of diverse experiences, perspectives, and expertise that will strengthen the organization as it continues to champion independent venues, festivals, promoters, and presenters nationwide,” says Stephen Parker, NIVA Executive Director. “Their collective backgrounds will be instrumental in advancing NIVA’s mission to protect, support, and elevate independent venues and the broader ecosystem of artists, workers, entrepreneurs, and local communities they sustain. As the industry continues to evolve, their leadership will help ensure that independent music and cultural spaces remain vibrant, resilient, and accessible for future generations.”
David Weingarden is the Vice President of Concerts + Events at Z2 Entertainment in Colorado, leading talent buying and programming strategy across a diverse portfolio of venues. A staunch independent venue advocate, Weingarden currently serves on NIVA’s Advocacy and Policy, Fix the Tix, and Artist Relations committees and founded the Colorado Independent Venue Association (CIVA), representing over 100 independent venues across Colorado.
"It is an honor to join the NIVA Board, and genuinely grateful to the membership for this vote of confidence. Independent venues and promoters are the backbone of live music in this country, and I want to make sure NIVA fights as hard as possible to protect them. My priorities are straightforward: strengthening our advocacy at every level of government, helping operators become more efficient with the tools that are reshaping our industry,”says Weingarden.
Cassie Dickson is a Chicago-based human resources (HR) and operations leader, currently Director of HR and Project Manager for Audiotree, Lincoln Hall, and Schubas Tavern, overseeing compliance, payroll, employee relations, and organizational strategy across multiple independent live music venues and studio operations. A dedicated advocate for the independent venue community, Cassie also serves as Secretary on the Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) Board of Directors, contributing to collaborative efforts helping sustain independent venues during periods of industry disruption and advancing advocacy for the future of the industry.
“I am looking forward to advocating for the people who power independent venues. As the live music industry continues to evolve, investing in people is more important than ever. I’m excited to bring an HR and operations perspective to the NIVA Board and advocate for practical resources that help independent venues navigate workforce challenges and create healthy, sustainable workplaces,” says Dickson.
Shayna Melgaard is the Director of Programming and Talent Buyer for Hennepin Arts in Minneapolis. She has spent 20 years in the live events and entertainment industry, spanning talent buying, venue management, event production, and project management. Shayna is passionate about shaping the future of arts & culture by supporting the next generation of artists, cultivating engaged audiences, and championing the behind-the-scenes professionals who make live experiences possible.
"Indie venues are more than places where shows happen, they’re cultural anchors that create community, support artists, and contribute to the vitality of our downtowns and neighborhoods. Having helped build a state chapter and working alongside venue operators and promoters through both challenges and opportunities, I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration. I’m eager to help strengthen the relationships, resources, and collective voice that allow independent businesses to thrive," says Melgaard.
The 2026-2027 NIVA Board is:
President: Audrey Fix Schaefer, Head of Communications, I.M.P.
Vice President: Brad Grossman, COO, Helium Comedy
Vice President: Jim Brunberg, Founder, Revolution Hall, Mississippi Studios; Composer/Performer
Treasurer: Kira Karbocus, Founder and Principal Consultant at Karbocus & Co.
Secretary: Sean Watterson, President and Co-Owner, The Happy Dog
Board Member: Grace Blake, Programming Director at City Winery NYC
Board Member: Cassie Dickson, Director of HR and Project Manager for Audiotree, Lincoln Hall, and Schubas Tavern
Board Member: Jamie Loeb, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Nederlander Concerts
Board Member: Courtney McClary Yug, Director of Operations at SBG Productions
Board Member: Shayna Melgaard, Director of Programming and Talent Buyer at Hennepin Arts (State, Orpheum, Pantages, & Dudley Riggs Theatre), Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance
Board Member: Andre Perry, Executive Director of the Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement at Iowa University
Board Member: David Weingarden, Vice President of Concerts + Events at Z2 Entertainment
Board Member: Gary Witt, CEO/Co-Owner of Pabst Theater Group/Milwaukee
NIVA Board headshots available here.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the national trade association representing thousands of independent live entertainment venues, festivals, promoters, and more. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of live entertainment. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
CONTACT
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