The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) celebrated its 25th anniversary on Thursday night (Sept. 22) with a black tie gala at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works.
Hosted by radio professional and SOLID alum Sam Alex, the awards ceremony honored alumni from the rising industry professionals organization that have gone on to become leaders in the community, and was planned by Quinton Digital’s Ashley White and incoming SOLID President Erin Pettit.
Pictured (L-R): Kara Lusk (WME), Tim Gray (Grayscale Marketing), and Heather Cook (peermusic). Photo: Nathan Morgan Photography
Amazon’s Head of Country Music Michelle Kammerer received SOLID’s Distinguished Alumni Award, Peermusic’s Director of Marketing and Brands Heather Cook was honored with the Impact Award, and Grayscale Marketing’s CEO Tim Gray took home the Spirit of SOLID Award. WME also received SOLID’s Giving Award, celebrating their financial contributions–the most of any company–to the organization.
“It was such a special evening having so many alumni, current members and industry peers come together to celebrate on Thursday night,” notes SOLID’s President, Avery King. “We had representatives from every class that attended the evening and hearing everyone swapping stories about when they were in SOLID made for an incredibly memorable night. It was the perfect way to honor the last 25 years and look ahead to our next 25.”
The evening also included live music by The Network, as well as event activations with candle pouring from 615 Candle Bar and live screen printed posters from Friendly Arctic Printing that were gifted to each attendee to memorialize the event.
Tim Gray, stated "it is such an honor to be awarded and acknowledged by this group or music industry peers as well as the organization. SOLID has been an amazing part of my personal journey in the music business and to be recognized as someone who embodies the spirit of the non-profit is more than touching."