Wendy Dio and David Ellefson Join Metal Hall of Fame Board
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2025
Contact: 973-263-0420
Wendy Dio, David Ellefson, and Industry Icons Join Metal Hall of Fame Board of Directors
Los Angeles, CA – The Metal Hall of Fame (MHOF) today announced a major expansion of its Board of Directors, welcoming legendary music manager Wendy Dio, Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, and a slate of other industry icons. This move marks a powerful new chapter in the nonprofit’s mission to honor and preserve the enduring legacy of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music on a global scale.
Launched in 2016 by studio/touring drummer Pat Gesualdo, the MHOF has become the definitive institution celebrating the musicians, executives, and cultural pioneers who have shaped the genre for generations of fans. With this expanded leadership, the Hall is poised to elevate its presence through larger events, broader outreach, and more opportunities for fan engagement worldwide.
The Newly Appointed Board of Directors
The Hall’s expanded team unites an extraordinary lineup of music executives, artists, and innovators, including:
- Pat Gesualdo – Founder & CEO, Metal Hall of Fame; Studio/Touring Drummer
- Michael Sarna – Inmotion Entertainment Inc.
- George Johnsen – MammothVision Studio
- Brian Perera – Cleopatra Records
- Wendy Dio – Niji Management
- David Ellefson – Megadeth / Kings of Thrash
- Jimmy Kay – The Metal Voice
- Munsey Ricci – Skateboard Marketing
Key Initiatives and Future Events
The MHOF will continue to expand its flagship projects, including:
- The Metal Across America Tour: A one-of-a-kind traveling exhibit featuring artifacts from icons like Iron Maiden, Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, and Deep Purple.
- Monster Energy Supercross Partnership: An outreach initiative that brings the exhibit to an average of 50,000 fans per race at major stadiums across the U.S.
- The 10th Annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala: The landmark event will be hosted by Eddie Trunk and entertainment personality Cathy Rankin in Anaheim, California, in January 2026.
Fans are always encouraged to visit www.metalhalloffame.org to vote for their favorite bands to be inducted.
“I am excited to have so many music industry legends and friends join me in this great mission,” said MHOF Founder/CEO Pat Gesualdo. “We all look forward to creating expanded events that the fans will love.”
“Hard Rock and Heavy Metal are more than just genres—they’re cultural movements that have shaped the lives of millions,” added Michael Sarna of Inmotion Entertainment. “The MHOF is where that legacy lives forever, and this Board is committed to growing that impact on a global scale.”
About the Metal Hall of Fame
The Metal Hall of Fame (MHOF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to forever enshrining the iconic musicians and industry executives who are responsible for making Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music what it is today. The organization’s core mission is to honor those who define the soundtrack of our lives and to ensure their legacy endures for generations to come. The annual Metal Hall of Fame Gala has been the site of many historic moments, including inductions for members of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, KISS, and Queen, among others.
For more information, please email info@themetalhalloffame.org or visit www.metalhalloffame.org.
