Candidate for The MLC's Board of Directors

ED LEONARD

Ed Leonard is President and CEO of Daywind Music Group and New Day Distribution. With several publishing companies and labels serving over 70 active songwriters and artists in the Christian/Gospel, Americana, Bluegrass, and Country genres, Leonard continues to build on his family’s 44-year history in the music business. 

Industry involvement and advocacy are hallmarks of his 33-year career in music. He currently serves as Chairman and President of the Christian Music Trade Association and on the executive committee of the Gospel Music Association's Board of Directors,  

He is in his second term as a member of the Dispute Resolution Committee of the Mechanical Licensing Collective and was honored to be involved in advocating for the rights of creators that culminated in the passage of the Music Modernization Act.  

Earning a JD from Belmont University School of Law in 2014 complemented a BA in Finance from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA in Finance and International Business from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.  

Most importantly, Ed is a husband to Kathleen, a father to their nine children, and, most recently, a grandfather to Leo, Eloise, and Margot.