The CEO of the East Coast Music Association is responding to criticism from members who don’t like the direction in which the organization is heading.

An online petition was launched this week calling on the CEO to provide an explanation for recent decisions and share a “comprehensive strategic plan” outlining the organization’s goals and priorities.

Blanche Israel, who took over as CEO six months ago, disputes claims that she and her board let contractors go, however, she could not detail whether any contractors have had their scope of work cut, or contracts renewed.

“No contractors have been let go,” says Israel, however “it is good hiring practice to ensure that positions are reviewed.” While they value the perspective of contractors who have been with them for a long time, they’re trying to ensure that they’re “stewarding…resources well.”

She told Tim Powers on VOCM that hosting the ECMAs in St. John’s this spring is a costly venture.

“We really, really need to make every effort we can, and look at every possible avenue to make sure that we can pull this thing off and do a great service to our artist members.”