ACM Hires A Half Dozen
• The Academy of Country Music® announced six new hires across several departments: Lori Kraft joins as Director, Brand Creative & Design; Steve Mekler is named Director, Brand Marketing & Partnerships; Jennifer Davis joins as Manager, Events; Rebecca Fisher is named Manager, Strategic Partnerships; Jesse Knutson joins as Manager, Publicity & Media Relations and Kristan Pridgen is the newly named Executive Assistant to CEO Damon Whiteside.
• Kraft (left) has a design background that includes US Weekly, Field & Stream and Better Home & Gardens, among other national magazine brands. Most recently, she served as a freelance Art Director for several clients including Ryman Hospitality and Big Machine Music. She reports to Rory Levine, VP, Marketing and Digital Strategy & Engagement and can be reached at lkraft@acmcountry.com.
• Mekler (center) joins the Academy after more than three years with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where he served as Sr. Digital Manager. Previous stops include L3 Entertainment and BBR Music Group. He reports to Rory Levine and can be reached at steve.mekler@acmcountry.com.
• After working extensively in the events industry, planning various non-profit and corporate galas throughout New York City, Davis (right) moved to Nashville in Jan. 2021 and most recently led VIP & Fan Experience and Events for FirstBank Amphitheater’s inaugural concert season in Franklin, TN. She reports to Lanni (Gagnon) Niggli, Director, Events and can be reached at jennifer.davis@acmcountry.com.
• Fisher (left) most recently worked for leading Nashville production company Taillight, where she had the pleasure of working on ACM Party for a Cause. In her new role she will oversee brand activations and sponsorship at the 57th ACM Awards, reporting to Jen Heaton, VP, Strategic Partnerships and can be reached at rebecca@acmcountry.com.
• Knutson (center) is a multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist who has worked for TV stations in Los Angeles, Seattle, Harrisburg, PA, and, most recently, WVTF (NewsChannel 5)/Nashville, where he covered the entertainment industry. Knutson reports to Melissa Moldovan, Director, Communications, Media Relations & Radio and can be reached at jesse@acmcountry.com.
• Nashville native and 25-year Country Music industry veteran Pridgen (right) recently joined the Academy following a 12-year stint at William Morris Endeavor. She reports directly to CEO Damon Whiteside, and can be reached at kristan@acmcountry.com.
Whiteside remarked, “With the ACM Awards just weeks away, there couldn’t be a better time to continue expanding our team with the additions of Lori, Steve, Jennifer, Becca, Jesse, and Kristan. Every new member of our team is already making an impact and bringing a unique set of skills to the Academy. Their passion and enthusiasm will no doubt help the Academy reach new levels of success for our members and the Country Music community as a whole.” [Photos courtesy of the Academy of Country Music]
