In 2003, The Blues Foundation offered Jay the position of director of administration. In 2005, he became the executive director, the title changing to president/CEO. Anyone associated with blues music will confirm that Sieleman’s work at the foundation kept the blues alive. Thanks to his tireless leadership, The Blues Foundation is now the largest and most renowned blues organization in the world—dedicated to preserving the music, celebrating performance excellence, supporting blues education, and strengthening the future of a music profoundly important to American history. Under his leadership the Foundation’s net worth grew by millions and membership tripled to 4,500 individuals, plus over 200 affiliated blues societies representing another 50,000 fans around the globe.