Brittany Schaffer To Exit Spotify, Appointed Dean Of Belmont University’s Curb College

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Brittany Schaffer

Belmont University has appointed Brittany Schaffer as the new Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Effective May 1, Schaffer fills the role of Doug Howard, who retired last fall.

Schaffer will exit her position as Head of Nashville Label Partnerships and Music Strategy at Spotify on April 13. At the DSP, she co-leads the development and execution of Spotify’s global strategy to grow the Country, Christian/Gospel and Americana genres, and is responsible for overseeing all new music releases and campaigns out of Nashville. Prior to joining Spotify in 2018, Schaffer spent more than seven years in the Entertainment Department of Loeb and Loeb, LLP, where she was Senior Counsel.

“My career has focused on being a champion of people, ideas and innovations that bring the music and the broader entertainment industry together to fuel growth for the future of the business and to bring joy to those who enjoy the creativity and stories we share,” Schaffer says. “My career has also centered around my love of Nashville and its potential to be the creative center of the music business and a major player in the larger entertainment industry. Belmont—and the Curb College in particular—offer a unique opportunity to align these passions and be part of the legacy Belmont is leaving on its students and ultimately the global entertainment business as a whole. I am honored to help steward the Curb College into its next chapter, focusing on how we continue to be radical champions for our campus community, city and industry as we look toward, plan for and create the future we want for the global music and entertainment business.”

Schaffer adds, “I’m also forever grateful to Spotify for their incredible support of me and the Nashville music industry, which was beyond anything I ever imagined when I joined the company over five years ago. I will continue to be a champion of the company and the incredible Nashville team and look forward to partnering with them in the future as we shape the leaders of tomorrow.”

At Belmont, Schaffer will work alongside Associate Professor of Creative & Entertainment Industries, Dr. Sarita Stewart, who has served as Interim Dean for this academic year. Stewart will become Senior Associate Dean for Curb College and will work alongside Schaffer on programming and curriculum.

Schaffer will report to Belmont University’s Provost/Executive Vice President of Academic Excellence and will serve approximately 100 faculty and staff and over 2,700 students in Curb College programs.

Belmont Provost Dr. David Gregory shares, “Brittany will bring extraordinary passion, faith and experience to her new role as dean of Curb College. Her legal background and familiarity advocating for artists, writers, producers and more within the industry provide a unique perspective on the holistic education our students need to be successful in a variety of entertainment fields. Plus, through her time with Spotify, she has been on the leading edge of where these content rich fields are heading and is well prepared to ensure Curb College stays at the forefront of modern storytelling.”

Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones adds, “Belmont’s Curb College has long been recognized for developing artists and executives who bring innovative leadership and creative storytelling to their roles throughout the entertainment industry. We are delighted Brittany Schaffer has accepted the role of Dean, and I am confident that she will elevate our programs even further, deepening our connections within music, motion pictures and media while establishing new partnerships in Nashville, across the U.S. and around the globe. Her significant achievements and the tremendous respect she’s earned as a leader signal a bold and bright future ahead for Curb College and our students.”

A magna cum laude graduate of both Vanderbilt University and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, Schaffer currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Country Music Association and Country Radio Broadcasters as well as the St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board. Schaffer is also a Class of 2022 Leadership Music graduate.

She will be honored as one of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row later this month.

LB Cantrell
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