C. F. Martin & Co.® Announces Retirements & New Leadership Appointments

NAZARETH, PA – Wednesday, September 24, 2025 – C. F. Martin & Co., the iconic American guitar maker renowned for nearly two centuries of craftsmanship and innovation, today announced the retirements of two top executives and named their successors.

Nathan Eckhart, Chief Financial Officer, and Mitchell Nollman, Vice President of Sales, will be retiring at the end of the year following long stints with the company. In their place, the company named Linda M. Fonner, CPA, as incoming Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Dennis Webster as incoming Vice President of Sales and Customer Engagement.

Thomas Ripsam, Martin’s President and CEO, said, “On behalf of the company, I would like to say thank you to Mitchell and Nathan for their many significant contributions to Martin Guitar during their time with us, and I wish them a well-deserved retirement. I would also like to welcome Linda and Dennis, two proven leaders, who will now step into these two critical roles and help us continue to write the next successful chapter for the company.”

Linda Fonner, who will join the company on September 29, is a seasoned finance executive with more than 25 years of experience in global manufacturing, financial services, and private equity-backed businesses. Recognized by Directors & Boards Magazine as a 2024 “Director to Watch,” she has held senior roles at Edmund Optics, Atotech, and West Pharmaceutical Services, most recently serving as CFO of a $300 million global manufacturer. “I’ve long admired Martin’s legacy and the values it represents,” said Fonner. “This role not only aligns with my professional experience but connects deeply with my personal history. I’m honored to join this iconic company and contribute to its continued success.”

 Linda M. Fonner, CPA

Eckhart, Martin’s CFO since 2010, guided the company to some of its most profitable years in its long and storied history. “It’s been an honor to work for the most legendary brand in the music industry alongside a talented and dedicated group of co-workers,” Eckhart said. “I wish Linda and the entire Martin team all the best in carrying on the Martin tradition.”

Nathan Eckhart

Dennis Webster will assume the Vice President of Sales and Customer Engagement role after six years with Martin managing national account sales and leading key initiatives. With nearly three decades of sales and leadership experience at leading guitar brands, he brings deep industry knowledge and proven results. “I am truly honored and privileged to step into the role of Vice President of Sales and Customer Engagement at Martin,” said Webster. “I look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Mitchell Nollman has established and to working alongside our talented sales and service teams to drive continued growth and success. Together, we will carry forward Martin’s legacy while leading the company into an exciting future.”

Dennis Webster

Nollman, who headed global sales at Martin for nearly a decade, helped the company achieve record sales levels. “Working at Martin with incredible co-workers, customers, and now friends has been both an honor and the thrill of my career,” Nollman said. “It’s wonderful to know that the sales team and company will be in Dennis Webster’s capable hands.”

Mitchell Nollman

Chris Martin IV, Owner and Chairman of the Board of the 192-year-old company, stated: “I want to thank and congratulate Nathan for 15 years and Mitchell for 9 years of dedicated service as officers of my family business. I’m looking forward to working with Dennis and Linda to help keep our business profitable as we continue to grow.”

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ABOUT C. F. MARTIN & CO.

C.F. Martin & Co. has been making the finest handcrafted acoustic guitars for nearly two hundred years. For some of the biggest names and the most revered musical legends across every genre and every decade. And we’ve been doing it with pure artistic passion, a deep love for all things music, and an unwavering commitment to our community and the environment.

But most importantly, we’re still doing it... for you. For current and future generations of pioneers, rebels, and dreamers. For the beginners, the pros, and everyone in between. We believe music is an unstoppable force. It raises us up. Tells our truths. Gets us on our feet. Expresses our deepest heartaches. And our greatest joys.

So, we’ll continue to make the very best acoustic instruments and strings for as long as there are people like you who love music and love making it. We want to be there to help you tell your story. To help you share your music with the world. To help unleash the artist within.

We’re ready for the next two hundred years. Want to come with us? Visit martinguitar.com.