CMA Announces Slew Of Promotions, Staff Additions

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The CMA has announced a series of promotions and new hires across various departments.

Ben Balch has been promoted to Vice President, Accounting and Finance, advancing from his previous role as Senior Director, Accounting and Financial Planning. With more than a decade at CMA, Balch plays a crucial role in guiding the organization’s financial strategy, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning. Before joining CMA in 2013 as a Senior Accountant, Balch served as a Staff Accountant at Tractor Supply Company. Balch reports directly to CMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Trahern.

Aaron Hartley has been elevated to Senior Director, Business Affairs. Employed by CMA for the past 25 years and a driving force in CMA’s legal and business operations, Hartley is responsible for structuring and negotiating key agreements including vendor contracts, publisher agreements, and artist talent negotiations. He also oversees rights analysis, contract management, international licensing, trademark coordination and union compliance regulation for CMA’s festival and TV productions. Hartley continues to report to Todd Hartley, CMA’s Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs.

April Edman joins CMA as Director, Accounting and Finance. In her new role, Edman will oversee financial reporting accuracy, daily operations, budgeting, and tax filings, while also supporting audits and financial strategy. She comes to CMA from her previous role as Senior Director, Finance at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, where she played a key role in shaping financial strategies and optimizing investments.

Jason Rost joins CMA as Director, Ticketing and Premium Experiences. Rost will oversee ticketing strategy, pricing, operations and premium offerings for all CMA events. He joins CMA from his previous role as Assistant Athletic Director, Ticket Initiatives & Customer Relations at Penn State University where he oversaw ticketing and revenue generation for PSU Athletics. Prior to Penn State, Rost previously worked for Ohio State Athletics and the Indiana Pacers in various ticketing roles. Rost reports to Michael Farris, CMA’s Senior Director, Business Strategy and Insights.

Kevin Coffey has been promoted to Director, Brand Partnerships Development, having previously served as Associate Director, Brand Partnerships Development. Coffey reports to Emily Evans, Vice President, Business Strategy and Operations.

Meredith Goucher, formerly CMA Senior Manager, International Relations and Development, has been promoted to Director, International Relations and Development. Goucher reports to Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy.

Isabel Baldinger has been promoted to Marketing Manager, having previously served as Marketing Project Manager. Baldinger reports to Catherine Frizzell, Vice President, Marketing.

Anthony Sinnott has been hired as CRM Manager. Sinnott comes to CMA from his previous position as CRM Analyst with the Arizona Cardinals. Sinnott reports to Reuben Schwartz, Senior Manager, Business Intelligence.

Cailey Parker has been hired full-time as Finance Operations Specialist, having previously served CMA’s finance team in a part-time capacity. Parker reports to Ben Balch, Vice President, Accounting and Finance.

Emilie Dufresne has been hired as Junior Graphic Designer. She was formerly Creative Manager with Ave East Mktg. Dufresne reports to Jeff Leet, Senior Graphic Designer.

Kylyn Healy has been hired as Production Coordinator, having recently graduated from Belmont University with a degree in music business and live event management. Healy reports to Ryan Nelson, Senior Director, Event Operations.

Jordan Maynard has been hired as Marketing Coordinator, having previously served CMA’s communications team in a part-time capacity. Maynard reports to Catherine Frizzell, Vice President, Marketing.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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