Jeffery Hardin Named Executive Director of National Blues Museum

Jeffery Hardin has been selected as the new Executive Director of the National Blues Museum replacing Founding Executive Director, Dion Brown, who announced his resignation in January. Interim Executive Director, Jacquelin K. Dace will remain in her role as Director of Internal Affairs.

Jeffery is a St. Louis native of College Hill on the cities Northside, graduate of Vashon High and Hall of Fame Inductee. He received his Bachelor of Science Business degree from Harris-Stowe University where he was awarded the HSSU Community Service Trail Blazer of the year award.

Jeffery’s professional skill-sets uniquely qualify him for the role of Executive Director for the National Blues Museum. His extensive business development and strategic planning expertise will serve him well as he rebrands the National Blues Museum as the place to be in the revitalized downtown district.

Jeffery has provided business oversight on various fundraiser campaigns for numerous not-for-profit organizations such as, The Wolff Jazz Institute housed on the HSSU campus and Citizens for Community Improvement where he served as V.P. of Business Development just to name a few.

He is a proud son of Bernice and Rev. Leo Hardin Sr., an eight-medal recipient for his service in the Korean War. He and his siblings sang in the choir at his father’s church, where he quickly discovered the power of gospel music and its influence in blues, jazz and R & B. He’s widely considered to be one of St. Louis’s premier male vocalist and entertainers. His versatile style of gospel, jazz, blues and R & B has kept him in demand.

When asked, Jeffery states, “I see the National Blues Museum as one of the premier attractions in downtown St. Louis. It’s an extension of my life’s stage and a welcomed opportunity to highlight the Blues sound as we transform the National Blues Museum into the attraction that every tourists and native St. Louisan puts on their must-see list.”

‘‘We believe Jeff is an excellent fit for the next chapter of the National Blues Museum. His experience in the non-profit sector, in particular, as to development and fundraising, as well as his energy, drive and devotion to the music, will lead the organization to an even brighter future, building on the strong foundation we already have,” said Rob Endicott, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Blues Museum.