CMA Unveils New Class Of Women’s Leadership Academy

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CMA Women’s Leadership Academy Class of 2026. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA

The Country Music Association has announced its newest class of participants for its 12-week Women’s Leadership Academy.

“Every new class of the Women’s Leadership Academy reminds me how much talent and heart exist in this industry,” says Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Philanthropy. “This program was built to outlast its 12 weeks. The relationships, confidence and perspective these women gain stay with them well beyond the program. Watching this cohort step into the program with such openness and ambition has been inspiring, and I know they’ll carry that same spirit forward as they help define what’s next for our business.”

Over the next 12 weeks, the cohort-based program will guide 16 high-performing, high-potential women through weekly group coaching, peer connection and hands-on leadership training led by executive coaches Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting. This year, CMA has also launched the WLA Alumni Network, bringing together members of the past cohorts to foster continued mentorship, collaboration and professional development.

Now in its fifth year, the academy kicked off with an opening reception yesterday (Aug. 2) at The Chloe Nashville, where Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, and Kerns delivered opening remarks. The first official session followed today (Aug. 3).

CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy Class Members:
Elisabeth Ashley (Manager)
Kelly Bolton (Vice President, A&R, Warner Records)
Victoria Cappelli Greiner (Senior Director of Digital Marketing, Global Touring, AEG Presents)
Annie Flook (Vice President, Artist Relations, AXS)
Hannah Galluzzi (Vice President, A&R, MCA)
Claire Heinichen (Senior Editor, Country, Spotify)
Lindsay Hyslop (Director of Recorded Music, Canada, BMG)
Lucia Kaminsky (President, The Sandbox)
Marne McLyman (Manager, Maverick Nashville)
Kelsey Middleton (Head of Marketing & Digital Strategy, TRACK mgmt)
Amanda Quinton (President, Quinton Digital)
Alexis Rosenberg (Head of External Relations, WME)
Jamie Sudhalter (Head of A&R, The Core Entertainment)
Randi Tolbert (Senior Artist Manager, Q Prime South)
Margaret Tomlin (Vice President, A&R, Sony Music Nashville)
Jamie Younger (Vice President, Marketing, Big Loud)

Lauryn Sink
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