Welsh started as an actor and became the CEO of Film Independent in 2012.
He led the annual film gala Spirit Awards for American independent film, which rewards independent films with low budgets.
"We are devastated by the loss of Josh Welsh. Josh was a tireless advocate for independent voices, a reliable artistic leader, and a beloved colleague and friend," says Film Independent's board chairman Brenda Robinson in a statement, according to Variety.
Under Josh Welsh's leadership, the Independent Spirit Awards, among other things, made their acting awards gender-neutral. Before he became CEO, he was responsible for Film Independent's artist development program for over a decade.
Josh Welsh was also the singer in the alt-country band Meatyard, whose album will be released later this year.
