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
Deputy Director
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. Amy was promoted to Deputy Director in early 2024.
Olivia Stefanoff
Senior Project Manager
Olivia Stefanoff joined the team as a Junior Project Manager in October 2021 and advanced to the role of Senior Project Manager in early 2024. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Integrated Media with minors in Film and Marketing from Ohio University. During her time in school, Olivia gained valuable experience as a videographer for Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch and the Nelsonville Music Festival. She also contributed as an Assistant Podcast Producer for WOUB Public Media and collaborated with the Athens International Film & Video Festival team to curate and manage the event.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Olivia is passionate about attending live shows, exploring art, and is the bassist and vocalist for the Columbus-based band Big Fat Head.
Hope Selah Tye
Project Coordinator
Hope Selah Tye first joined the team as the company’s intern through their Earn as You Learn program in June 2023, and after working part-time for them after the program’s end, she was hired on as a full-time project coordinator in April 2024. Hope is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in Music Technology from Capital University with a minor in Religion. During her time at Capital, Hope served as president of the Audio Engineering Society where she planned and executed music festivals, studio tours, and audio electronics workshops for the organization.
Hope performs with her bands Stillcastle and Must Be June in the Columbus area. Along with her husband, Thomas Tye, she enjoys going out to local shows, meeting new people, and enjoying all the amazing music Columbus has to offer.