Big Yellow Dog Music has promoted three staff members across the organization.

Jonah Gordon has been elevated to Manager, Sync. In this new role, Gordon will extend his responsibilities in sync operations and manage song placements across film, television, advertising and other media platforms.

Alana Morgan has been upped to Coordinator, A&R. In her new position, she will contribute to identifying and cultivating new talent, supporting the label’s artists and songwriters and growing Big Yellow Dog’s roster across all genres.

Brannen Carter has been promoted to Catalog Administrator/Coordinator, Label Services. She will take on additional responsibilities in managing the company’s publishing/label administration and overseeing the label’s marketing services.

“Each of these three has shown exceptional growth in their particular area of expertise, and we look forward to their ongoing contributions to our success in 2025,” shares Carla Wallace, CEO/Co-Owner of Big Yellow Dog Music.

MusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, proudly recognized six Nashville music industry executives during its 12th annual Rising Women on the Row honors this morning (March 20) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. City National Bank served as Presenting Sponsor.

This year’s honorees included Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant, each recognized for their impact and leadership within the Nashville music business.

Industry veteran Jennie Smythe, Founder and CEO of the award-winning Girlilla Marketing, served as this year’s featured speaker. She shared insights from her career and offered a preview of her upcoming memoir, Becoming Girlilla, set for release in April.

The event also featured a special performance by Stella Prince, presented by supporting sponsors AB Hillsboro Village and Chao Nail + Bar. Woodstock-raised, Nashville-honed, and Laurel Canyon-inspired, Prince is known for her soul-baring, pop-infused folk that resonates with a new generation.

Since its inception in 2012, MusicRow’s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored more than 60 women, continuing its tradition of recognizing and uplifting the next generation of industry leaders.

About MusicRow’s 2025 Rising Women On The Row:

Lydia Schultz Cahill – Senior Director, Creative Services, SESAC

Lydia Schultz Cahill is Senior Director of Creative Services at SESAC PRO, where she oversees the country genre in Nashville. She supports songwriter and publisher affiliates, recruits new talent and collaborates with artists and songwriters like Blanco Brown, Jon Nite, Allison Veltz Cruz, Dillon Carmichael and Jenny Tolman. Cahill also produces SESAC-sponsored events, including Tin Pan South, SESAC Presents at the Bluebird and songwriter showcases across the Southeast. Before joining SESAC in 2016, Cahill was Creative Director at Magic Mustang Music, where she worked with acclaimed songwriters Steve Bogard, Kristian Bush, Rob Hatch and Justin Lantz. She began her career as an assistant to Grammy-winning songwriter JD Souther and later held roles in the Legal and Finance Department at Broken Bow Records. A Wisconsin native, Cahill graduated from Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from its Music Business program. In 2024, she completed her master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee.

 

Rakiyah Marshall – Founder + CEO, Back Blocks Music

Rakiyah Marshall is the Founder and CEO of Back Blocks, a full-service publishing, management and artist development company. Under her leadership, Back Blocks has guided the careers of Blake Pendergrass, Ashley Cooke, Tucker Wetmore and Lily Rose. Marshall and her team recently celebrated major milestones, including Cooke and Wetmore’s first No. 1 hits. Before founding Back Blocks, Marshall built a strong foundation in pop promotion at Republic Records in NYC, including time at UMG’s classical division (now Verve). She later brought her expertise in radio, streaming, marketing, and artist development to Nashville, working at Cornman Music under hall of fame songwriter, Brett James and BMG under Kos Weaver. There, she advocated for writers, placed notable songs and bridged Nashville with the global creative community. Now, Marshall continues to shape Back Blocks into a leading force in the industry, driving success for her roster through innovative strategies and dedicated advocacy.

 

Michelle Tigard Kammerer – Head of Country Music, Amazon Music

As Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer has driven the streaming service’s growth in the genre since 2021. She oversees marketing, artist and label relations and innovative collaborations, managing influential brands like Country Heat. Under her leadership, Amazon Music has introduced new initiatives and strengthened connections between country artists and their fans. Kammerer’s career began at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she helped sign and launch the careers of several leading country acts. She then served as Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) before re-launching the historic Dot Records label under Big Machine Label Group as National Director of Marketing & Promotion. In 2017, she expanded her leadership as Senior National Director of Marketing & Promotion at BMLG Records, where she worked closely with a range of top artists. Now at Amazon Music, Kammerer continues to champion the evolution of country music, leveraging her experience across agencies, labels and streaming to innovate and elevate the genre.

 

Katie Kerkhover – SVP, A&R, North America, BBR Music Group/BMG

Joining BMG in 2020, Katie Kerkhover currently serves as SVP, A&R, North America, a position she was elevated to in December 2024. Her first position at BMG was as Senior Director, Creative, in music publishing, where she managed BMG’s Nashville roster of songwriters, including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Stephen Wilson Jr., Emily Landis and Chayce Beckham, among others, while also signing and developing new songwriters and artists. Kerkhover was promoted to VP, A&R, Frontline Recordings for BMG Nashville in 2022, where she was responsible for BBR Music Group’s (BBRMG) roster of recording artists across its imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records, as well as scouting, signing and developing new talent. Since leading A&R for BBRMG, she’s worked with Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Chayce Beckham and is working with Blake Shelton’s team on his BMG Nashville debut. Previously, Kerkhover served nearly three years as a Creative Manager at Sony/ATV and garnered experience as A&R, Creative at CAM Creative. Before jumping behind the scenes of the music industry, she spent years on the road as a performing musician often playing fiddle, guitar or providing backing vocals for acts like Sara Evans and Rebecca Lynn Howard.

 

Jessi Vaughn Stevenson – VP, A&R / Digital, Warner Chappell Music Nashville

Jessi Vaughn Stevenson is VP, A&R and Digital at Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville, where she strategizes innovative opportunities and guidance for songwriters and artists. With a proven track record of success, Stevenson has helped advance the careers of influential country music creators, including Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere, Rhett Akins, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Hailey Whitters, Morgan Wallen, Randy Montana, Will Bundy, Lee Miller and Little Big Town, among others. Born and raised in Nolensville, Tennessee, Stevenson honed her industry acumen during her time at Belmont University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Business and gained valuable experience through roles at CMT, Warner Brothers Records, Bill Silva Entertainment and SoundExchange. In 2015, she founded JV Writer Management, successfully supporting the careers of award-winning songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall. At WCM, Stevenson champions diverse talent across genres, identifying and developing the next generation of hitmakers. While dedicated to her professional endeavors, Stevenson finds her greatest joy in motherhood and family.

 

Julie Sturdivant – Music Brand Partnerships Executive, CAA

Julie Sturdivant is a Music Brand Partnerships Executive at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Nashville, leading brand collaborations for artists like Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Keith Urban and Kelsea Ballerini. Over the past year, she orchestrated major partnerships, including Jelly Roll’s multi-year deal with HeyDude, Warren Zeiders’ ambassadorship with Wild Turkey’s 101 Bold Nights and Koe Wetzel’s collaboration with Rock & Roll Denim. She also brokered Charley Crockett’s campaign with The Alamo Foundation and Aaron Watson’s Texas-sized Super Bowl commercial with HEB. Sturdivant began her career on-air at KOST 103.5 in California before joining Universal Music Group-Interscope Records, where she worked on campaigns for Lady Gaga, All American Rejects and Black Eyed Peas. She later built a reputation for innovative marketing during her 12 years leading Marbaloo Marketing. With expertise spanning radio, global marketing and digital innovation, Sturdivant continues to create impactful partnerships in music.

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.

Nashville-based Tim Beeding has joined Wasserman Music as SVP, Fairs & Festivals, where he will co-lead the division alongside fellow Wasserman Music SVP Shannon Casey. Beeding previously served as an agent at CAA for over two decades, representing a wide array of artists.

Wasserman Music has hired two other executives across its growing Fairs & Festivals, Tour Marketing and worldwide agent teams well. Los Angeles-based Doug Singer joins as VP on Wasserman Music’s global agent team, where he will represent artists including Vince Staples, SiR, Saint Levant, Majid Jordan, Sleigh Bells and others. Singer previously served as a Partner in WME’s music division.

Chloe Garcia will work in the Los Angeles office and joins as Director of Tour Marketing, reporting to SVP Marketing Sam Alpert, where she will help drive the ongoing expansion of Wasserman Music’s global client service offerings. Garcia previously served as Tour Marketing Agent at WME, executing global tour marketing campaigns for dozens of acts. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Tim, Doug, and Chloe to Team Wass as our business continues to expand and thrive around the world, and our commitment to serving our clients remains unmatched,” says Wasserman Music President Lee Anderson. “Each of them is a highly regarded leader in their area of expertise, and all of them are exceptional humans we’re proud to call colleagues and partners.”

Wyatt Flores has extended his “Welcome Back To The Plains Tour” into summer.

Newly confirmed stops on the tour include Grand Junction, Colorado’s Warehouse 25 Sixty-Five, Emigrant, Montana’s The Old Saloon and Sandy, Utah’s Sandy Amphitheater.

Tickets for the new dates are available for pre-sale starting now, with general on-sale following this Friday, March 21. A dollar from each ticket sold will go to support the Red Dirt Relief Fund.

In addition to the upcoming headline dates, Flores will also join 49 Winchester for an extensive tour across the U.K. and Europe this fall. Flores has garnered over 325 million streams to date and was highlighted as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame’s latest “American Current” exhibit.