Musical Family Tree Announces Leadership Transition: Bryan Robison Elected as Board Chair, Succeeding Founder Jeb Banner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – December 16, 2025 – The Board of Directors of Musical Family Tree (MFT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and promoting Indiana music, today announces a leadership transition. The Board has unanimously elected Bryan Robison, the current Treasurer, to succeed founder Jeb Banner as Board Chair. The transition will take effect on January 1, 2026.
The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Jeb Banner for his vision, dedication, and service. After founding MFT in 2005, Jeb returned to the Board in 2023 and has since been instrumental in shaping the organization's current success and future trajectory.
Jeb’s accomplishments since rejoining the board are numerous and have set the foundation for MFT’s continued growth:
Financial Stability & Growth: Jeb played a critical role in improving MFT’s financial future, including spearheading initiatives that led to the organization’s focus on fundraising and grants.
Strategic Vision: He provided key guidance in developing and implementing the organization's renewed strategic plan, ensuring MFT's mission remains relevant and impactful in the evolving music landscape.
Expansion of Digital Archives: Under his leadership, MFT significantly expanded its digital archiving efforts, preserving thousands of hours of Indiana music history and making it accessible to a wider audience through a modern design that enables access to the archive from any device.
Community Engagement: Jeb was key in strengthening relationships with corporate sponsors, local government, and fellow arts organizations, elevating MFT's profile and collaborative impact within the Indianapolis community and across the state.
Bryan Robison brings extensive organizational and technological expertise, a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, and a profound commitment to MFT's mission. Bryan has volunteered with MFT since 2018 and has served on the MFT Board for four years, most recently as Treasurer.
Bryan’s contributions to MFT over the past seven years include:
Fiscal Oversight: As Treasurer, he successfully managed MFT's operational budget, ensuring strict financial health and transparency.
Programming: As a volunteer and board member, he has spearheaded and helped launch many of MFTs recent programs including its weekly radio show, EP in a Weekend, Circle Center Mall series, Swift City and WNBA All-Star weekend popup performances, MFT’s 20th Anniversary Fest, and Studio Grants.
Technology Strategy: Leveraging his professional expertise, he has guided MFT in helping to modernize its digital infrastructure, ensuring the long-term accessibility and security of its vital music archives.
Governance & Policy: He led the review and update of the organization's bylaws and financial policies, strengthening MFT’s governance framework.
“I am incredibly honored to follow in the footsteps of a founder and leader as visionary as Jeb Banner,” said Bryan Robison. “Musical Family Tree is a vital part of Indiana’s cultural fabric, and I look forward to working with the Board, staff, and our music community to build upon the strong foundation Jeb has established. Our goal remains the same: to champion musicians and archive the incredible music being made in this state.”
About Bryan Robison
Bryan Robison is the Cloud Practice Lead at Praecipio, a premier Atlassian Solution Provider, where he guides enterprise clients through Cloud transformation and technology adoption. He uses his professional experience to help MFT maintain robust and modern digital archiving practices. Beyond his professional life, Bryan is a dedicated enthusiast of Indiana's independent music scene, loves to cook, and plays bass and guitar in local bands. He resides in Indianapolis with his family.
Jeb Banner will remain active with the organization, transitioning to a role as Advisory Board Member to ensure a smooth transition and continue providing strategic advice.
About Musical Family Tree
Musical Family Tree is a non-profit organization dedicated to documenting, preserving, and celebrating the interconnected musical history of Indiana. Through its extensive online archive, educational programs, and community initiatives, MFT strives to connect musicians, fans, and researchers, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's rich musical legacy. Learn more at musicalfamilytree.org.