Speaker Biography
Since opening its doors in 1967, the nonprofit Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has grown into one of the world’s most visited history museums and the steward of an unparalleled collection, welcoming more than 1.3 million people each year. Its revenue base is diverse, but the institution’s growth would not have been possible without philanthropy. In this keynote, Honor Thy Music: Fundraising and Philanthropy at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ben Hall, Vice President of Development, will explore how strategic fundraising partnerships have supported exhibitions, expanded archives, and fueled nationally recognized educational programs. He will reflect on lessons learned from decades of institutional growth, share stories of transformative gifts, and offer insights into communicating both the “why” and “what” of an institution to inspire lasting philanthropic support.
Ben Hall joined the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum staff in 2009 as a member of the frontline team. After receiving a Music Business degree from Belmont University, he became part of the Museum’s development department, serving in various fundraising-related capacities before advancing to the role of Director of Major Gifts in 2015. In the following years, Hall secured new support from nationally recognized foundations in support of major digitization projects and special mission-focused campaigns; oversaw significant growth in individual giving; and implemented the Cindy Walker Society, formalizing the recognition of donors who include the Museum in their estate plans.
Hall’s work includes the oversight of diverse fundraising initiatives, including the museum’s annual fund, major gifts program, planned giving, corporate philanthropy and sponsorships, government contributions, and membership. He also manages Country Music Hall of Fame member relations on behalf of the Museum and has spearheaded the donations of major artifact collection, including the Marty Stuart Collection.
In 2014, she joined forces with Tracy Gershon and Leslie Fram to create Change the Conversation, which has become an influential movement in the area of gender equality in country music. Forbes included her on its national list of “40 Women to Watch Over 40,” a group of innovative women recognized for disrupting industry and society.
In addition to his degree from Belmont, Hall holds a JD from Nashville School of Law, and as a lifelong country music aficionado, he is an accomplished guitarist with several awards and recordings to his credit.
A Mississippi native , Ben and his wife Hannah live in Lebanon, TN .