Record Industry Vet Named to Lead Eco Group Rock the Earth

Denver non-profit, Rock the Earth, has announced that they have selected music industry veteran Shawn Kilmurray to serve as its new Executive Director. Together with the support of Rock the Earth's Board of Directors, he will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the organization as well as raising brand profile, diversifying sources of funding and developing strategic alliances. Mr. Kilmurray joins Rock the Earth after nearly two-decades in the recording industry. He has held senior Marketing, Production and Operations roles at Sony BMG, Universal and Warner Music, and is a voting member of numerous industry professional organizations. Active in the music community, Mr. Kilmurray will seek to expand RtE partnerships with artists and other music-related entities. Kilmurray shared "While the record business is currently undergoing tremendous change, a new day has dawned in this country and people recognize what can be accomplished when we work together. My challenge is to create synergistic opportunities to involve artists and the music industry at-large to increase environmental awareness that educates and inspires fans and artists alike to take action and produce quantifiable results on important values-driven environmental issues that directly impact our lives, our children's lives and their children's lives." On the selection of Mr. Kilmurray as Executive Director, John Fleckenstein, Senior Vice President at BMG Label Group notes, "I've had the pleasure of working with Shawn frequently over the years; he's a passionate music guy with deep contacts in the industry. I cannot think of a better fit for Rock the Earth. I have no doubt he'll prove to be a tremendous asset to them." Having crossed paths with each other last summer while actively involved with the Obama campaign, founder Marc Ross looks forward to the future of the organization with Kilmurray as Executive Director. "All of us in Rock the Earth are very excited about the addition of Shawn Kilmurray as our new Executive Director. It is our belief that given his passion for the environment as well as his management experience and deep connections within the music industry, Shawn will be able to elevate Rock the Earth to the next level in our goal to become the pre-eminent environmental advocacy organization working with the music community." Enthusiastic about the opportunity, Kilmurray explains, "I am delighted to be asked to lead the organization at what is a critical time for the global environment. Whether it's climate change, chemicals in our food, water issues, deforestation, air pollution, extinction of species or the lack of government action, few of us truly take ownership and act on these issues, foolishly believing others will do it for us. Music has the power to open the heart and touch the soul. Artists have always been at the forefront of social change so they understand the importance of taking action. My objective is to develop collaborative alliances with those members of the music community dedicated to the pursuit of environmental solutions."  Supporting renewable energy, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, sustainability, widespread recycling and increased responsiveness, Shawn Kilmurray and Rock the Earth will continue to promote activism that produces clear-cut results. Bill Sondheim, President of Entertainment and Worldwide Distribution at Gaiam, Inc. reflects on his professional relationship with Kilmurray, "I have known Shawn in various music positions over the last fifteen years. During that time he has consistently demonstrated an ability to balance creative integrity with strong fiscal results. At this critical time when our planet is in peril, I rest easier knowing that he will bring that same passion and intelligence to this worthy cause."

ABOUT ROCK THE EARTH Rock the Earth is a Colorado-based, national public interest environmental organization dedicated to protecting and defending America's natural resources through partnerships with the music industry and the worldwide environmental community. The organization has most recently worked with coalitions to oppose increased drilling on the Roan Plateau and to limit motorized boating through the Grand Canyon. Rock the Earth has also received support from the Educational Foundation of America, musicians Jack Johnson and Incubus' Make Yourself Foundation and the Rex Foundation, allowing it to pursue the defense of important natural areas. For more information, go to www.RockTheEarth.org