Industry Ink: CMA, PLA, Alecia Nugent

CMA Hosts Seventh Annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit

The Country Music Association hosted its seventh annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit July 27-28, to engage with college students through professional development and networking opportunities. The two-day event was held virtually for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and welcomed 51 students from 13 schools.

“Building on the established 10-year brand, we felt it was essential for CMA EDU to evolve to better meet the needs of both our students and industry,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director and CMA VP of Community Outreach. “The changes allow for better engagement by fostering connections and learning the fundamentals across the many employment opportunities that exist within the music business. The program will continue to illuminate leadership opportunities and empower members to embrace the uniqueness of the industry. We are most excited to work with such a talented applicant pool, demonstrating relentless drive and ambition.”

Students participated in trainings on topics ranging from communications and brand management to mentorship led by Kerns and CMA Membership Engagement Manager Kate Kaltenbach, in addition to holding peer group discussions.

The summit concluded with keynote speaker John Esposito, Warner Music Nashville Chairman and CEO, sharing career tips along with his journey in the music business, followed by a Q&A session with the students. “Get your foot in the door. Don’t worry about what you’re getting paid. Just get paid and then out-hustle everyone,” advised Esposito.

PLA Expands Staff

Anna Proctor

PLA Media has added Anna Proctor to the team as a Publicity and Social Media Assistant. The Florida native is currently obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Sport Management at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Anna started at PLA in May and will continue to work remotely for the company, assisting the team on client strategy and brand development.

“Anna is an enthusiastic and welcome addition to our PLA team,” says President and CEO Pam Lewis.

Alecia Nugent Adds So Much MOORE Media To Team

IBMA and SPBGMA award-winner and former Rounder Records artist Alecia Nugent is returning to the music scene after a 10-year hiatus as a classic country artist. Her debut single, “They Don’t Make ’em Like My Daddy Anymore,” drops Friday, July 31 with an album coming in September. She has hired Martha Moore of  so much MOORE media to handle publicity.