Bruce Garfield

Executive Director

Bruce Garfield began his career as a pioneer of the band merchandising business signing deals with Led Zeppelin, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Rolling Stones, and many others.

Wishing to get closer to the music itself, he moved on to work with cutting edge independent labels and major record producers; all of whom helped shape the future of the modern record business, and his career.

Following what he refers to as his ‘education period’ Garfield was recruited by Capitol Records President Don Zimmermann to merge and lead their Artist Development and Press Departments. He was the youngest senior executive in the label’s history.

Then appointed Vice-President, A&R /Talent Acquisition, and then as co-founder of the Manhattan-EMI/Blue Note label group with legendary record executive Bruce Lundvall.

During his fifteen year career with Capitol, he is responsible for leading the career development of Duran Duran, Bob Seger, The Band, David Bowie, Steve Miller Band, Little River Band, Thomas Dolby, The Motels, Grace Jones, The Knack, Missing Persons, Iron Maiden, Billy Squier, Stanley Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, and Little Steven (Van Zandt).

After departing Capitol/EMI he managed the careers of Sinead O’Connor, Grace Jones, Isaac Hayes, Dave Mason, WAR, Will Downing, production designer Michael Cotten, Christmas with The Celts, LFO, Ziggy Marley, Tricky, and Inner Circle.

Bruce has also served as a special consultant to Warner Chappell Music Publishing, Universal Records, PBS, EMI Music, Disney, and Macy’s.

Bruce and his wife, Beth Jackson, relocated to Columbus in November 2017 and he was elected as the first Executive Director of the Columbus Music Commission August 2018.

Amy Holihan

Senior Project Manager

Amy Holihan joined the staff as a full-time project manager in June 2022, following work as project consultant beginning in September 2020. A former professional ballet dancer, she performed with Pennsylvania Ballet and New York City Ballet during a seven-year career as a working artist. She then worked in development and marketing for organizations such as The School of American Ballet, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Columbus Metropolitan Library, and NXTStage Arts. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.A. in Arts Policy and Administration from the Ohio State University.

Olivia Stefanoff

Junior Project Manager

Olivia Stefanoff joined the team as junior project manager in October 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in Integrated Media with minors in both Film and Marketing. During her time at Ohio University she volunteered as a videographer at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch and Nelsonville Music Festival for multiple years. She also served as an Assistant Podcast Producer for WOUB Public Media and worked closely with Festival Director and staff to curate and run the Athens International Film & Video Festival.