7.24.24—The annual meeting of the Music Publishers Association took place in July, and Hal Leonard's former long-time president and CEO, Keith Mardak, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Keith began his career at the Hal Leonard Corporation in 1970. He grew the company to what it is today: the world’s largest music print publisher with a catalog consisting of over 200,000 physical publications and over a million digital ones! In addition to his time at the helm of Hal Leonard, Keith is an active philanthropist devoted to many service organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.

Brittain Ashford, MPA Executive Director, commented, "If you are in the business of music publishing, you know the name of Keith Mardak. A true titan of the trade, the Music Publishers Association was honored to present Keith with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for a career defined by an unyielding commitment to the industry, distinguished by pioneering innovation and exceptional leadership."

Established in 2009, the MPA Lifetime Achievement Award honors an outstanding individual who has devoted their life to the industry. Previous recipients include Irv Kratka, Lauren Keiser, Iris Manus, Charles Slater, Jay Morgenstern, Fred Koenigsberg, Ralph Peer II, Arthur Gurwitz, Frank J. Hackinson, Morty Manus, Dean Burtch, and Lynn Sengstack.

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement Award, the annual meeting presented the Paul Revere Award winners for graphic excellence in printed music. 

Music Theory for Kids by Kit Massey took first prize in the Classroom & Instructional Method category and 2nd prize for Book Design. The book was designed by Jennifer Schmidt and edited by Harry White. 

Piano Music for Black Composers took 2nd prize for cover design. Kristen Anhalt was the designer, Brendan Fox was the editor, and Kim Brand was the engraver.