Gregory S. Harris, 47 has been named as the new President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, slated to take over from longtime President & CEO Terry Stewart when he retires effective January 1, 2013. Harris has served as VP of Development at the Rock Hall since 2008, and holds a graduate degree in museum studies and his industry background also includes curatorial, membership and sponsorship experience.
Harris spent 14 years at the Baseball Hall of Fame and owned a record store in the 1980’s and comes recommended not only by headhunter firm Heidrick & Struggles, who conducted a nationwide search, surfacing 37 candidates and interviewing 12, but also from The Roots’ drummer and leader Questlove, who says, “His store, the Philadelphia Record Exchange was my home away from home, and most of my 70,000 plus vinyl records came from there.”
“I’m honored to be entrusted to lead the organization that preserves and presents this amazing art form for future generations,” said Harris. “Rock and roll is deeply rooted in our culture and when interpreted through a museum, provides a powerful forum to teach and inspire. Through Terry Stewart’s leadership, the staff has put this institution on solid ground. The Rock Hall is in the best shape ever and I’m looking forward to a tremendous future.”