Kelsea Ballerini Hannah Kerr MaRynn Taylor Anna Vaus Black River Records Artist Black River Christian Artist Black River Records Artist Black River Publishing Writer & Black River Publishing Writer & Black River Publishing Writer
Nikki Abbamont Katie Barolak Ainsley Barry Hope Buser Natalie Davis Black River Records Black River Publishing Black River Records Black River Entertainment Black River Records
Dawn Delvo Theresa Ford Rebekah Gordon Megan Hazeltine Emily Hungate Black River Entertainment Black River Records Black River Publishing Black River Records Black River Entertainment
Taylor Kelly Abby Miller Tanya Schrage Rachael Skvorak Bailey White Black River Records Black River Records Black River Entertainment Black River Publishing Black River Records
® ountry Aircheck asked the industry haven’t ‘earned’ that yet. It “The way you get something is leaders included in the 2020 will help you service your typically the way you have to keep songwriters and your team to it. In all your ‘getting’ – jobs, Creader-voted Power 31 to nominate the best of your abilities. You promotions, clients, deals – do it one woman in the industry and outside can’t pour into others when with integrity so you don’t have of their company they feel deserves you’re running on empty.” to sustain it with compromised character. There’s enough to go recognition. Those nominees were asked around; achieve in such a way to share the most powerful piece of advice Ashley Wilson iHeartMedia that you can always stand by it and be proud of it.” they received from or would give to fellow Kentucky-Indiana Region Dir./ women in the industry. Country Programming Emily Cohen Nominated by: Carson James Amazon Music “You’ll never get to a point in Principal Music Curator Aaronee Cottam your career where you don’t Nominated by: Ben Vaughn KIYK & KCIN/St. George, UT need a mentor. Don’t ever stop “Remember to take stock in PD/morning personality building connections. Align the special moments of joy that Nominated by: Becky Brenner yourself with people who not come along with working in “[Former Cherry Creek AC KREC/ only elevate women but those who have passion and do the business, like a concert or St. George morning host] Cindy good work.” successful record launch. These moments can ebb and Olsen has been my competition for flow in your career, and it’s important to take a mental years and is the epitome of grace Aubrey Schwartz picture so as not to forget the times that solidify and fuel and personal connection; her fans KP Entertainment your passion for the music.” love her and follow her anywhere. Sr. Creative Dir./Publishing Radio without connection might as Nominated by: Rusty Gaston Hillary Borden well be dead air.” “In a blend between advice and The Bobby Bones Show, Producer learning: find the talent, nurture Nominated by: Lauren Thomas Addison Nunes the talent, work hard, keep “Don’t compare your journey to Warner Music Nashville, Sr. Analyst your head down, be honest with anyone else’s. It’s very easy to get Nominated by: Gregg Swedberg yourself and with your writers, go with your gut and — caught up in the concerts, the “Never stop learning. There is most importantly — be a kind human through it all.” awards shows and the lifestyle of always a new skill to develop, the music industry. Know who question to ask or conversation Becky Gardenhire you are as a person, stay true to it and don’t let anyone’s to have.” WME/Nashville opinions or words make you feel less about yourself.” Co-Head/Partner Agent Ali Matkosky Nominated by: Cris Lacy Jackie Campbell Big Loud, Dir./National Promotion “I remind myself of this piece of 615 Leverage & Strategy Nominated by: Charlie Cook advice Michelle Obama has given: Co-Founder/Head of Business “I have been fortunate enough to ‘Success isn’t about how much Development have many strong female leaders money you make, it’s about the Nominated by: Marci Braun invest in my growth, all of them difference you make in people’s lives.’ It keeps me “If you are looking for your next leading this advice by example: grounded and reminds me of the ripple effect we all job or trying to grow in your Never mimic the way others do have the power to cause. One impactful thing can have current role, write up your dream business just because you have seen a long tail in this business.” job description and figure out how that applies to your it work for them. Be true to who potential employer. In the ever-changing music industry, you are, and the people around the job you want may not even exist yet, but there’s no you will see your passion and authenticity, and you’ll have Callie Bartz reason you shouldn’t pitch it or try to find it.” more fun along the way!” Red Light, Day-to-Day Manager Nominated by: Katie Dean “My biggest piece of advice is to Jackie Tigue Alicia Mathews work hard and make yourself a iHeartMedia MakeWake Artists/Range Media valuable asset to as many people Country Artist Relations Partners, Artist Manager as possible. Always be friendly Nominated by: Kris Lamb Nominated by: Seth England and and get the job done. You never “How you do anything is how Stacy Waugh know who you might be working you do everything. No matter “1. Learn as much as you for or with later down the road.” how small the task, do a great can about every aspect of the job with a good attitude. And industry, absorb knowledge and shout out to all of the incredible female leaders work to understand how everything works together. 2. Callie Cunningham in Nashville that are as kind as they are smart — Take time to nurture yourself and your hobbies outside Red Light, Manager you’re an inspiration!” of work. It will revive and inspire you and make you a Nominated by: Scott Borchetta better manager, leader, colleague, friend and partner. 3. “Your intuition is one of the Find the parts of this business that light a fire in you and strongest tools you have. Trust Janet Weir run full speed towards them. This industry isn’t an easy it, even if it means having a 42 Entertainment/Red Light one, but it’s rewarding, even more so when you love the hard conversation or sharing an Manager projects you work on and the people you work with. 4. It unpopular opinion. If it feels scary, Nominated by: Steve Hodges will get hard. Don’t give up.” you’re probably doing something right.” “Try as many things as you need to find what your passion is, then go after it. Be confident in your Amanda Good Cameo Carlson abilities, but not so confident that The AMG, Exec. Dir./Marketing mtheory Nashville you aren’t able to gracefully accept advice — never stop Nominated by: Bobby Young President/CEO learning. And … don’t let the bastards get you down. “The advice I would give the Nominated by: Cindy Mabe Bitches came to win!” next generation of female “When I came up in the industry, leaders in the industry is to not many of the worst sexism I faced Jenna Johnson let fear of failure keep you from was from other women. We were trying. The best lessons and Warner/WAR pitted against each other and seen Mgr./West Coast Regional Radio moments in your career will come from seeing an idea as competition for limited access come to life that you were part of building.” & Streaming Promotion to the table. The advice I have for the next generation Nominated by: Nate Deaton of women leaders is to expand that damn table at every “The best thing I’ve been Anna Weisband chance you get and bring another woman to sit alongside taught is if you want something, Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville, VP/Creative you every. single. time.” you have to find the confidence Nominated by: Allison Jones to ask for it. Don’t ever stop “The best advice is advice that is hard to implement in Candice Watkins being your authentic self, and always remember to this business: take care of yourself early in your career. Big Loud, VP/Marketing support and build others up, because when you do, Make time to pour into yourself, even if you feel you Nominated by: Leslie Fram & Brittany Schaffer incredible things will happen.”
PAGE 15 • JUNE 2021 Jennie Smythe of yourself first, then you’ll turn up to work ready Lauren Black Girlilla Marketing, Founder/CEO to rock.’ Find your tribe. Don’t work by yourself Country Now, Editor-in-Chief Nominated by: Ken Robold and wait to be discovered. Network a lot; find your Nominated by: Coran Capshaw “Honor your own value and be people; collaborate; and make genuine, solid, “Never give up. I truly hit rock quick to recognize value advantageous relationships.” bottom after a layoff in 2018 in others.” and considered leaving the Katie McCartney music industry. When a new Jillian Shuhart Monument, GM opportunity came my way, I iHeartMedia/Albany, NY Nominated by: Gator Harrison jumped on it and now, I’m happier than ever and so Dir./Promotion, Coord./ & Ashley Gorley proud of the path that got me here.” Integrated Media Sales and “Show initiative, show passion, WRVE on-air personality trust your gut and take risks. Lauren Hamrick Nominated by: Kevin Callahan Confidence and belief are key; you Wide Open Music “Diversify your skill set, while also can make anything happen!” Day-to-Day Manager being careful not to be taken Nominated by: Jon Loba advantage of. Having experience Kelly Bolton “The good Lord gave you a gut in different departments than what Tape Room, Music VP/Creative feeling. Follow it. Don’t let anyone you know or think you were hired for will only make you Nominated by: Shane McAnally look down on you because you a stronger asset to your team. While some can be linked “Have dreams, but master the are different, but instead take to pure timing, when you’re willing to pitch in, grow and work you’re doing today – it will ownership of the role you’ve been given, keep your head learn new things, it will ultimately provide sustainability to serve you in the long run. Lift on a swivel and do the job that only you uniquely can do.” your career. Be ready for change and never say ‘this is how up your peers and celebrate we used to do it.’” others’ successes. Doing so creates Mallory Michaels community and it will ultimately RCA, Dir./Regional Promotion JoJaime Hahr make your own successes more gratifying. Above all: stay Nominated by: Johnny Chiang kind, work hard, listen to your gut and, as Celia Froehlig BBR Music Group/BMG “There doesn’t have to be all this once told me, ‘Go be brilliant.’” Nashville, SVP pressure for a work-life balance. Nominated by: Kelly Rich It’s all your life – the whole “Cindy Mabe, who I respect Kimsey Kerr thing. Find something you love immensely and look up to as a Red Light Management, Marketing to do, be true to yourself and mentor and friend, told me to Nominated by: Shane Allen savor living your life.” own who I am. This resonated “Be true to your authentic self with me, because it taught me that not only can I be and genuine to everyone around Margaret Hart in a leadership position and be exactly who I am, but you. Take pride in everything you YouTube, Head/Nashville Label & that it’s vital to success and I should. She also taught do and trust the journey to bring Industry Relations me to focus my energy into the places where I can you where you’re supposed to be. Nominated by: John Esposito make the most difference. My advice to anyone in Aim to leave a legacy behind that you’d be proud to “Best advice I have been given (a the business, male or female, is to work harder than leave again and again.” summary): Men are often asking everyone else in the room.” for promotions and raises, and going out for jobs before they Kristie Sloan check all of the boxes. Don’t sit around and wait to go Katelyn Lester The GreenRoomPR, Co-Owner after that next step until you are (over)qualified, start the Monument Nominated by: Clarence Spalding conversation earlier than you are comfortable and make Mgr./Regional Promotion “Don’t let a fear of failure prevent your intentions clear. Best advice I have to give: Don’t Nominated by: Royce Risser you from speaking up and sharing suppress your uniquely female perspective because we “Just because you’re ready for ideas – but also know when to shut work in a male-dominated industry. Bring your whole something doesn’t mean it’s up and listen.” ready for you. Be patient, give self to work: empathy, caregiving, strong communication yourself grace, and the right and listening skills, etc. These traits can foster a more opportunity will come along.” Laurel Kittleson-Cobb open and accepting work environment, not to mention Curb, VP/Artist Development & A&R an overall healthier, happier and more productive team. Nominated by: Jimmy Harnen PS: Caregiving absolutely does not mean taking on every Katie Bright “I’ve recently had some amazing housekeeping task for your team from notetaking to Capitol, Dir./Midwest Promotion women mentor me and share lunch ordering.” Nominated by: Kristen Williams their honest experiences, which “The best advice I received from makes me want to pay it forward. another woman in the industry My advice is to be kind to other Margaret Tomlin when I was traveling and had two women in the industry, lift each Sony Music Nashville, VP/A&R small children was, ‘You can’t other up, celebrate one another’s Nominated by: Dann Huff pour from an empty cup. Don’t successes and take care of each “Be an advocate for yourself. try to be everything to everyone all the time. Take care other when needed.” Leave as little to chance as
exclude the notable contributions of Sharon Allen, Mae Boren Axton, Janet Bozeman, Beverlee Brannigan, Lori Dale, Janet Gavin, Jessica James, Women Juanita Jones, Jessica Langston, WHO LED Carolyn Metheny, Dianne Petty, Hazel ere’s a look at some notable Smith, Georgia Twitty (no relation) or Frances Preston Jo Walker-Meador the hundreds if not thousands of other BMI Country Music Htrailblazing women in country (1958) Association music and Country radio. Their women without whom this business Established Nashville (1962) could not have been built. office; rose to run First employee, rose inclusion is by no means intended to BMI; CMA co- to Exec. Dir. founder.
Ruth Meyer Maggie Cavender Connie Bradley Cathy Martindale Donna Hilley Carol Parker Carolyn Parks WHN-AM/ NSAI ASCAP KSCS/Dallas (1976) Tree Publishing WMZQ/Washington Radio & Records New York (1967) (1976) Second female PD in 20 (1978) (1978) (1981) (1973) Founding Exec. Dir. Rose to head a rated market. Rose to head Third female PD in a Country Editor First female PD Nashville office. Sony/ATV rated market. in a rated market. 18.1% (25 of 138) ] REPORTERS15
By The Numbers 10.5% The percenntage 9.5% 9.9% (16 of 153) (13 of 131) of10 women (14 of 147) programming Country stations on the reporting panel. Jacki West Dale Franklin Shelia Shipley Evelyn Shriver WGTO/Lakeland Leadership Music Biddy Asylum 5 2.9% (1981) (1989) Decca (1998) (7 of 214) First woman to win Founding Exec. Dir. (1994) First woman to head 1.4% CMA DJ of the First woman to head a stand-alone major (2 of 140) Year Award. a Nashville major label in Nashville. label. 0 1982 1995 2000 2011 2016 2021 Source: Radio & Records, Country Aircheck.
PAGE 16 • JUNE 2021 possible. If you are intentional and assertive about building and nurturing your career, others will notice your dedication and offer you a seat at the Radio & Records: The Next Generation table. Once you are there, have confidence that your Fall 2020 undergraduate enrollment at a sample of top music business and broadcast opinion is valued. Speak up and, most importantly, programs leaned significantly female, as seen below. Additionally, enrollment in CMA EDU – be kind.” the organization’s leadership development program – is 85% women in the 2021-2022 class.
Broadcast Music Business Martha Earls Degree MALE Degree MALE Efg Mgmt, 1021, Demasiado, Owner Enrollment Enrollment Nominated by Randy Goodman “The most powerful advice I Fall 2020 32% Fall 2020 42% have received is also the advice I Undergraduate Undergraduate would give: Don’t downplay your Broadcast Degree 68% Music Business 58% capability. Don’t apologize for your Enrollment FEMALE Degree Enrollment FEMALE success or hide your knowledge. Anyone who tries to punish you or dismantle your confidence is offering opinion you don’t need to Sources: University of Florida, University of Nebraska, Belmont University, Berklee College of Music, Middle listen to. Furthermore, don’t apologize or hide being Texas A&M, University of Missouri, University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, New York University, University a mother, married, single, successful, shy, out-going, Ole Miss, Gonzaga (broadcast programs); of Miami (music business). etc. In short, don’t apologize for who you are. You are enough and capable of incredible things.” example. I am surrounded by those who exemplify I worked for her at CAA. I believe women have Mary Catherine Kinney what it means to continue growing and bettering incredible intuition and interpersonal skills directly Spotify, Nashville Lead/Strategic Music Partnerships themselves in order to better their teams, projects and tied to effective negotiating and compromise. Nominated by: Mike Dungan communities. If I could offer a piece of advice to the Communication skills and passion are integral to this “Invest deeply in your peers and next generation it would be to keep your eyes open to all business, and the greatest creativity arises from the the community around you. The that inspires you – your work will stay inspired if you are.” synergy between the two.” close relationships you make in the early stages of your career, Nikki Wood Stephanie Wagner when everyone is hustling Big Loud NY Country Swag, Founder alongside each other, will be Dir./Northeast Promotion Nominated by: John Foxx the foundation that steadies you Nominated by: Lee Adams “Dream big, work hard, and be through every twist and turn of “You have to be willing to work kind. You’d be surprised how this industry. The people make it all worth it.” harder than everyone else around many doors will open for you you, but be careful not to let that when you live your truth and lead idea isolate you. Remember that the with passion.” Michelle Tigard Kammerer same people around you are also BMLG Records, Sr. Dir./National Promotion & Marketing the ones that can not only support and motive you but can Nominated by: Tom Martens inspire you. Never miss those opportunities to grow.” Tali Canterbury “Dolly Parton – arguably one of 50 Egg Music, GM/Co-Owner the best businesswomen in the Paige Altone Nominated by: Ashley Sidoti industry – once said, ‘Always be “You absolutely can have a family Sony Music Nashville on time; in fact, be early. Because, life and be in the music industry; VP/Marketing when you’re not, you’re telling the it does not have to be one or the Nominated by: Clint Higham other person that you’re better other. When all is said and done, “You have to be passionate than them. That your time is more I will be proud of the things and work hard, but don’t lose important than theirs.’ So true! I did in the industry, but my yourself. Be open-minded and Always respect others and thank them for their time.” relationship with my family will flexible, and don’t work from a define who I am.” place of fear because this industry Miranda McDonald is changing so fast. –River House Artists Found/Owner MCA, Dir./Southwest Lynn Oliver-Cline.” Tiffany Kerns Regional Promotion CMA Foundation Nominated by: Shari Roth Rachel Whitney Executive Director; CMA VP/ “Surround yourself with people Community Outreach Spotify, Head Editorial/Nashville you respect and who respect you Nominated by: Kurt Johnson Nominated by: John Marks enough to always be honest with “Earn your success based on “Many of the companies driving you and who have good intentions. service to others, not at the music and culture now weren’t There is always a way to achieve what you want in your expense of others. When you around when I started my career, career by being your authentic self, but sometimes it focus on people and put service which wasn’t that long ago! Stay takes a heavy dose of patience and knowing how to at the center, the rest falls into place.” choose your battles.” curious and keep learning. The jobs you’ll have may not even exist yet.” Victoria Mason Nicole Rodriguez Warner Music Nashville, G Major Management Raffaella Braun VP/Strategic Marketing Nominated by: Rod Phillips Manager/Digital Marketing Triple Tigers Records, Dir./ “Renewal is not a ‘nice to have.’ Nominated by: George Briner National Promotion It is an imperative. Make time “The best advice I ever got didn’t Nominated by: George Couri to take good care of yourself; come in the form of a single “I learned so much by watching it’s the best thing you can do sentiment, but through daily WME’s Risha Rodgers when for those around you.” CAC