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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2025
Kristy Fletcher Appointed Chief
Operating Officer of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and
Sciences (CARAS), Will Continue as President of MusiCounts
 Toronto,
ON — The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is
proud to announce the appointment of Kristy Fletcher to the role of
Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this new role, Kristy will work
alongside Allan Reid, CEO to advance CARAS’ mission of celebrating and
elevating Canadian music, while continuing in her role as President of
MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with The JUNO
Awards.
Kristy brings over 30 years of leadership experience across the sports,
entertainment, and non-profit sectors. Since joining MusiCounts in 2016,
she has championed a vision of equity and accessibility in music
education, helping to disburse $12 million in musical instruments,
equipment, and resources to schools and communities across the country.
Under her guidance, MusiCounts has forged powerful partnerships with
Canadian artists, corporate supporters, and donors to increase national
awareness around the transformative power of music in young people’s
lives. She also serves as Secretary for the Board of Directors of Women
in Music Canada, where she elevates the role and impact of the many
women working in the industry.
"Kristy’s impact on MusiCounts and the broader Canadian music landscape
has been extraordinary,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The
JUNO Awards. “Her strategic leadership, deep commitment to community,
and proven operational excellence make her a natural fit for the COO
role at CARAS. We’re thrilled to see her bring that same vision and
energy to our broader organization.”
Prior to MusiCounts, Kristy spent two decades at Maple Leaf Sports &
Entertainment (MLSE), where she played a key role in developing the
community investment strategy for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto
Raptors. As the Senior Director of Premium Sales & Service, she led
one of the most diverse sports and entertainment membership portfolios
in North America. Her time at MLSE was marked by innovation,
customer-centric strategy, and consistent industry-leading performance
across multiple professional sports leagues.
“I’m honoured to help carry the CARAS torch in this new, expanded role,”
said Kristy. “Together—with the support of Allan and our incredible
Board of Directors, and the dedication of the stellar teams at CARAS and
MusiCounts—I know we can make a lasting difference for Canadian
artists, music educators, and, most importantly, the next generation of
music-makers across the country.”
As COO, Kristy will help guide CARAS through its next chapter of growth
and innovation, while ensuring MusiCounts continues to thrive under her
leadership.
Pictured in release: Kristy Fletcher
About CARAS
The
Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is a
not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian
music industry and promote higher artistic and industry standards.
CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our
music education charity, MusiCounts, programs and initiatives; Develop
emerging artists through mentorship and development programs; Celebrate
Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing; and Honour
music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The 55th
Annual JUNO Awards Broadcast will take place in Hamilton, ON at TD
Coliseum on Sunday, March 29, 2026. For more information on the JUNO
Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS)
please visit www.junoawards.ca
About MusiCounts
MusiCounts
is Canada's music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO
Awards. MusiCounts' vision is to ensure that all youth in Canada have
access to music education through their schools and communities. This
vision is realized through grant programs that invest directly into
schools and communities across Canada that put musical instruments into
the hands of kids who need them the most. Additionally, MusiCounts
creates educational resources for teachers and students; empowers young
people to pursue music as a career; and celebrates teachers, artists,
and philanthropists who champion music education. Since 1997 MusiCounts
has awarded over $18,000,000 in support of music education in Canada www.musicounts.ca |
