Ryman Has New GM

The historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville will have a new GM effective Dec. 1.

Sally Williams, the senior manager for event programming and development for the Country Music Association, announced she was stepping down from her position Nov. 18 and on Dec. 1 would become GM of the former Grand Ole Opry venue and two-time Pollstar Theatre of the Year winner.

Williams worked for Gaylord Entertainment as events manager for the Opry Entertainment Complex and produced national tours for the Grand Ole Opry.

“I’m excited to rejoin the Gaylord Entertainment family and to work with the outstanding staff at the Ryman Auditorium as we continue the tradition of excellence that began over a century ago,” Williams said in an e-mail.

She is also a veteran of PACE Concerts as site producer for Nashville River Stages and special events manager of Starwood Amphitheatre.

Current Ryman GM G. Scott Walden will remain with the venue as a consultant through the end of the year, a venue spokeswoman told Pollstar.