Kristy Fletcher Appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), Will Continue as President of MusiCounts
(pictured: Kristy Fletcher)
Toronto, ON — The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is proud to announce the appointment of Kristy Fletcher to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this new role, Kristy will work alongside Allan Reid, CEO to advance CARAS’ mission of celebrating and elevating Canadian music, while continuing in her role as President of MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with the JUNO Awards.
Kristy brings over 30 years of leadership experience across the sports, entertainment, and non-profit sectors. Since joining MusiCounts in 2016, she has championed a vision of equity and accessibility in music education, helping to disburse $12 million in musical instruments, equipment, and resources to schools and communities across the country. Under her guidance, MusiCounts has forged powerful partnerships with Canadian artists, corporate supporters, and donors to increase national awareness around the transformative power of music in young people’s lives. She also serves as Secretary for the Board of Directors of Women in Music Canada, where she elevates the role and impact of the many women working in the industry.
“Kristy’s impact on MusiCounts and the broader Canadian music landscape has been extraordinary,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards. “Her strategic leadership, deep commitment to community, and proven operational excellence make her a natural fit for the COO role at CARAS. We’re thrilled to see her bring that same vision and energy to our broader organization.”
Prior to MusiCounts, Kristy spent two decades at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), where she played a key role in developing the community investment strategy for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. As the Senior Director of Premium Sales & Service, she led one of the most diverse sports and entertainment membership portfolios in North America. Her time at MLSE was marked by innovation, customer-centric strategy, and consistent industry-leading performance across multiple professional sports leagues.
“I’m honoured to help carry the CARAS torch in this new, expanded role,” said Kristy. “Together—with the support of Allan and our incredible Board of Directors, and the dedication of the stellar teams at CARAS and MusiCounts—I know we can make a lasting difference for Canadian artists, music educators, and, most importantly, the next generation of music-makers across the country.”
As COO, Kristy will help guide CARAS through its next chapter of growth and innovation, while ensuring MusiCounts continues to thrive under her leadership.
About CARAS
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music industry and promote higher artistic and industry standards. CARAS’ mandate is comprised of four key pillars: Educate through our music education charity, MusiCounts, programs and initiatives; Develop emerging artists through mentorship and development programs; Celebrate Canadian artists with year-round JUNO Awards showcasing; and Honour music industry icons through the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The 55th Annual JUNO Awards Broadcast will take place in Hamilton, ON at TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29, 2026. For more information on the JUNO Awards or The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) please visit www.junoawards.ca
About MusiCounts
MusiCounts is Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS and the JUNO Awards. MusiCounts’ vision is to ensure that all youth in Canada have access to music education through their schools and communities. This vision is realized through grant programs that invest directly into schools and communities across Canada that put musical instruments into the hands of kids who need them the most. Additionally, MusiCounts creates educational resources for teachers and students; empowers young people to pursue music as a career; and celebrates teachers, artists, and philanthropists who champion music education. Since 1997 MusiCounts has awarded over $18,000,000 in support of music education in Canada.
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