{
  "id": 14775230,
  "title": "ASCAP Nashville Execs Mike Sistad & Evyn Mustoe Johnston Exit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/ascap-nashville-execs-mike-sistad-evyn-mustoe-johnston-exit",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-15T19:29:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/pro/ascap-nashville-exec-mike-sistad-evyn-mustoe-johnston-exit/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nashville music industry leaders Mike Sistad and Evyn Mustoe Johnston have left their positions at ASCAP, according to reports from Billboard. The executives informed the publication that their departure was unexpected. Sistad, who joined the company in 2001 as a creative director on the Nashville Membership team, held the position of vp of Nashville membership since 2019. He has dedicated over 25 years of his career to ASCAP, working in both creative and business aspects of the music industry. A Minnesota native, Sistad has had experience as an A&R executive at Arista Records Nashville, collaborated with renowned music producer Barry Beckett, and served as a member of Phil Vassar's band. In addition, she has held various roles, including board governor and chapter advisor for the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy, and is a member of the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music. She expressed her pride in her colleagues and gratitude for her time at ASCAP in a statement. Johnston, who most recently served as assistant vp in ASCAP's Nashville office for the past 14 years, also announced her departure. She has been with ASCAP since 2012 and has coordinated various events and performances for ASCAP's songwriter members. Johnston, too, expressed her deep respect and gratitude for her experiences at ASCAP, while looking forward to continuing to advocate for songwriters, publishers, and all creators in Nashville.",
  "summary": "Sistad has served at the company for 25 years, while Johnston has served for nearly 15 years.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}