Serious CMA Executive Action
• The Country Music Association (CMA) announced a bunch recent promotions and new additions. The action begins with Emily Evans (left), who has been promoted from VP to Senior Vice President, Business Strategy and Operations. With more than a decade of experience at CMA, Evans plays a vital role in driving the organization’s mission and strategy through high-level project management, cross-departmental collaboration, and operational oversight of key teams including Ticketing, Event Production, Insights and Business Intelligence, and Office Operations.
Evans has also taken over direction of the Strategic Partnerships team, which aims to elevate the reach and success of CMA’s marquee events through brand sponsorships, marketing collaborations, and integrated campaigns within CMA’s three broadcast specials on ABC. Evans was also instrumental in solidifying SoFi as the first ever presenting sponsor of CMA Fest — one of the organization’s most prominent and impactful partnerships to date. Before joining CMA in 2014, she held positions with st8tmnt, 13 Management, and MAC Presents.
Evans reports directly to CMA CEO, Sarah Trahern, who said, “Emily has long been a key driver of CMA’s strategic direction and operational excellence. Her deep understanding of our business, paired with an exceptional ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects, has made her an invaluable asset to our organization. From overseeing some of our most high-profile events to solidifying game-changing partnerships like SoFi, Emily continues to play a critical role in CMA’s growth and impact. I’m thrilled to see her step into this elevated leadership position and look forward to what she’ll accomplish next.” Reach Evans at eevans@cmaworld.com. [Evans photo credit: John Russell / CMA]
• Jenny Methling (left) has formally joined CMA as Sr. Director, Strategic Partnerships after serving in a temporary role on the team. In this new role, she will oversee CMA’s Brand Partnerships department, guiding a team focused on brand sponsorships, integrated marketing, digital media collaborations, and premium event partnerships across the organization’s flagship events and television properties. Methling most recently served as VP, Strategic Partnerships at Musicians On Call.
“Jenny brings a powerful combination of relationship-building expertise, strategic vision, and a deep passion for purpose-driven partnerships,” says Evans. “She is a great addition to our team with her demonstrated ability to match brands with worthwhile causes, as well as her leadership in creating scalable infrastructure and spurring development. From the moment she joined CMA in a temporary capacity, Jenny immediately showed the initiative, wisdom, and teamwork that continues to drive success throughout our organization. I am so excited to formally welcome her to this position and see how she will influence our brand partnerships going forward.” Methling reports to Evans and can be congratulated at jmethling@cmaworld.com. [Photo credit: Chrissy Yoder]
Here are the additional CMA promotions and new hires (pictured, left to right):
Devin Ford has been promoted to Sr. Manager, Social Media, having previously served as Manager, Social Media. She can be reached at dford@cmaworld.com.
Luke Johnson joins CMA as Staff Accountant, having previously held the the same position with Wilson Bank & Trust. Reach Johnson at ljohnson@cmaworld.com.
Zarah Goldberg joins CMA as Video Content Creator, having previously held the position of Digital Marketing Coordinator with Fox Nose Records. Goldberg reports to Devin Ford and can be contacted at zgoldberg@cmaworld.com.
Liliana Manyara has been hired as International Industry Relations Coordinator, having previously worked for SESAC as a Licensing Coordinator. Reach Manyara at lmanyara@cmaworld.com.
[Ford photo courtesy of Devin Ford; Johnson photo: Britney Buckwalter / CMA; Goldberg photo courtesy of Zarah Goldberg; Manyara photo: Connie Grant]
