The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) Executive Committee announces that Executive Director Karl Dustman will be stepping down from his leadership position with the PMC at the end of January 2021, and Antoinette Follett, PMC Communications Director, has been selected to fill the Executive Director leadership role. Over the next several months, the Executive Board officers will work closely with Antoinette on transitioning responsibilities and new program initiatives, activities, and events for 2021.
Dustman began leadership of the PMC in 2001, and has served the organization in a variety of organizational boards positions. Under Dustman’s direction, the PMC launched many market development initiatives, including Roots of Rhythm, Drum Set in the Classroom, Percussion in the Schools & Libraries, Drums Across America, and March to Your Own Drum. The annual International Drum Month campaign has consistently grown to larger audience participation and wider support of percussion retailers.
In stepping down Dustman said, “It has been an incredible honor to have served in this position for 19 years, during which we have made significant strides, and weathered a few storms. Everything the PMC has accomplished for the percussion industry’s growth was achieved through the leadership officers, advisory board, and participating members and facilitators. This team is the most amazing group of individuals that anyone could ever ask to work with,” states Dustman. “It has been a personal mission to see the organization through its 25th Anniversary celebration. With that achievement, it’s time to return my time and attention to my two businesses and professional concert performance demands that have significantly increased over the years.”
An active full-time professional percussionist, Dustman is also a recognized music products industry executive with more than 55 years of music industry career achievements. He is the founder of his own marketing communications firm and creator of his orchestral “Professional Percussion Products” showroom, both based in Cleveland, Ohio.
Incoming PMC Executive Director Antoinette Follett commented, “Through Karl’s leadership, the PMC has connected thousands of wanna-play and existing drummers with the PMC mission and nationwide retailer network through educational programs and promotions that have consistently grown in scope, participation, and impact. I look forward to driving the organization into its next phase.”
“We are fortunate to have Antoinette step up to lead the PMC. She has a long history with the PMC and great contacts throughout the music industry,” said PMC Executive Committee Officer Stacey Montgomery-Clark. “We are at a critical moment and we need strong, continued leadership to successfully implement our strategic vision and take advantage of partnerships and marketing growth opportunities ahead.”
Follett has a long history in the NAMM community in both communications and publishing roles. Working for Bentley-Hall, Inc. for more than 20 years, Follett developed marketing and communications projects for some of the music industry’s most respected brands, served as editor-in-chief of Making Music magazine, and managing editor of International Musician magazine. In addition to her work with PMC, Follett is owner of Method Marketing and is Director of Communications/PR for the American Federation of Musicians.
