Continuing a tradition of recognizing music industry greats who are also dedicated to the educational process, Belmont’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business will name Donna Hilley as the first recipient of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence at the 2009 Best of the Best Showcase at the Curb Event Center on April 25 at 7 p.m. Last spring, the Curb College established the Award of Excellence in memory of program founder Bob Mulloy to annually recognize an individual who has achieved a level of excellence in the music business and entertainment industries with notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community.
Born in Birmingham, Ala., Donna Hilley came to Nashville with little knowledge of the music or publishing industries. Under the leadership of Jack Stapp and Buddy Killen of Tree International, Hilley learned the business and through persistence and tenacity established herself as one of the top female executives in Music City. After transitions in leadership and the sale of Tree International to CBS, Sony purchased the company in 1994. Shortly after, Hilley was named president and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville.
The legacy of leadership forged by Donna Hilley came with numerous successes and awards. Not only did she lead Sony/ATV to become the city’s largest publishing company, she served on boards at ASCAP, Belmont University, Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital and the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few. In 1994, Hilley was named the Lady Executive of the Year by the National Women’s Executives, and in 1999, she was elected to the YWCA Academy for Women of Achievement.
In rightful tribute, Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business has established the Donna Hilley Endowed Scholarship in Leadership to make a difference in the lives of students who choose a career in the entertainment and music industries and who exemplify the qualities and attributes of legendary leaders. To give to the Hilley scholarship fund, make a secure gift online at www.belmont.edu/give. Be sure to clarify the gift designation to the Donna Hilley Endowed Scholarship. For more information about the Donna Hilley Endowed Scholarship, please e-mail Harry Chapman at chapmanh@mail.belmont.edu.
