Industry Ink: Academy Of Country Music, Banner Music, MC1 Nashville Publishing

ACM Promotes Maddy Stessman To Manager, Administration

Maddy Stessman

The ACM has promoted Maddy Stessman to the newly created role of Manager, Administration. The position is based out of the Academy’s headquarters in Encino, CA. Originally from Petaluma, CA, Stessman studied broadcast and digital journalism at Syracuse University and interned at NBC’s Affiliate Marketing Department, The Meredith Vieira Show and The TODAY Show, as well as the Academy of Country Music, where she supported the Events team for the Academy’s historic 50th Anniversary in Texas. She joined the Academy full-time in fall 2016, where she most recently served as Coordinator, Events. In her newly-created role, Stessman will oversee administrative tasks and report to ACM CEO, Pete Fisher, and assist both Senior Vice President Finance & Operations, Tom Torii and Senior Director of Administration & Board Governance, Tommy Moore.

Matt Wynn’s “Dust” Kicks Off Banner Believers Series

Pictured (L-R): Victoria Powell (Banner Music Creative Services Manager), Matt Wynn,
Camilla Kleindienst (Banner Music Owner/CEO)

Matt Wynn and Banner Music have just released “Dust,” the inaugural song in the company’s Banner Believers series. “Dust” is Wynn’s debut single, which he co-wrote with Banner Music’s Alex Dooley and Daniel Kleindienst. Banner launched its new Banner Believers production project to give artists and writers like Wynn a chance to get their music out. The concept is to release songs from artists who write with Banner Music’s staff writers without all the strings attached of a typical deal.

Randy Barnette Inks With MC1 Nashville Publishing

Randy Barnette has signed with MC1 Nashville Publishing. Barnette has been a guitarist for over 30 years and has opened for Frankie Ballard, Easton Corbin, Shooter Jennings with Waymore’s Outlaws, Trace Adkins, Casey Donahew, Josh Thompson,The Randy Rodgers Band, and many more.

“I’m proud to be part of the MC1 Nashville Family with Sony/The Orchard Distribution,” said Barnette.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Lorie Hollabaugh

Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.

Latest posts by Lorie Hollabaugh (see all)

• New Randy Travis Album ‘Same Old Way’ Slated For November - September 4, 2026
• Opry To Celebrate Vince Gill’s 35th Anniversary With Two Shows - September 4, 2026
• Americana Music Association Announces Performers For 25th Annual Honors & Awards Show - September 4, 2026