Pictured (L-R): Maddy Stessman, Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance; Katie Ozel, Manager, Finance; Michael Stern, Office Manager; Mallory Papa, Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat, Coordinator, Content & Creative; Sally Bishop, Assistant, Marketing & Communications
The Academy of Country Music has hired and promoted staffers across several departments.
Maddy Stessman has been promoted to the new role of Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance. Joining the staff are Katie Ozel as Manager, Finance; Michael Stern as Office Manager for the Academy’s new Nashville office; Mallory Papa as Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat as Coordinator, Content & Creative; and Sally Bishop as Assistant, Marketing & Communications.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add so many passionate and enthusiastic members to our team, especially as we open the doors to our new headquarters office here in Nashville,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The impact of these new and elevated staff members has already been felt at ACM Party for a Cause and ACM Honors and will continue to help bridge the sectors of our community and ensure a bright and successful future for the Academy, our members, and the country music industry.”
Originally from Petaluma, California, Stessman joined the Academy in fall 2016 as Assistant, Events, following an internship during the 50th ACM Awards in Texas. She has since held the titles Coordinator, Events, as well as Manager, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance with the organization.
In her role, Stessman will focus on building and developing relations across the ACM staff, Board of Directors, and the country music industry. She will also book artist visits at the new Nashville headquarters and serve as talent manager for select ACM and ACM Lifting Lives live events. Additionally, she will organize the Leadership Development and ACM Board election process while continuing to execute the Academy’s quarterly Board meetings.
Ozel joins the Academy after four years as a senior accountant at Asurion, where she led AP/AR processing, IT accounting migrations, training and onboarding for new accounting hires, invoicing, strategic planning, statements, and more. In her role, she will be performing AP/AR financial processes along with analyzing expense and budget reports, journal entries, and all other financial reporting as needed.
Born and raised in Palm City, Florida, Stern has worked at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and interned with the ACM’s Events team beginning in January 2022. After the 57th ACM Awards, he stayed on as an intern, assisting both the Events and Artist and Industry Relations teams. In his new role, Stern will manage logistics for the Academy’s Nashville headquarters, as well as assist with event operations for the ACM Awards, ACM Honors, ACM Party for a Cause, and ACM Board Meetings.
Originally from New Philadelphia, Ohio, Papa graduated from Ohio’s Bowling Green State University in 2020, then moved to Kentucky to work in digital marketing and advertising. She also worked as the social media manager for Imagine for Youth, the non-profit organization of Buffalo Bills’ Micah Hyde. In her role as Coordinator, Papa supports the Academy’s marketing department, managing daily publishing, media development and review, and community engagement across owned media channels, including social media and DSP channels.
Raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Uhniat attended Belmont University and began her career in the industry at Words and Music as a publishing administration coordinator. Before joining the Academy, she served as a creative coordinator at Resin8 Music. In her role as Coordinator, Uhniat will assist in scheduling and managing video shoots and other content productions. She will also assist with the day-to-day management of the Academy’s content platforms, including websites, quarterly membership magazine ACM TEMPO, and more.
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Bishop attended college at the University of Cincinnati where she earned a degree in journalism. Bishop also holds certificates in Digital Broadcast News and Deaf Studies, and recently completed a nine-month internship with the ACM’s Content team, where she helped develop and produce the ACM Legends Lunch social content series. In her role as Assistant, Bishop will work with the Marketing and Communications teams on all day-to-day needs.
Weekly Register: Tyler Childers Makes Top Country Album & Song Debut
/by Lydia FarthingRCA’s Tyler Childers makes the top country album debut this week with his three-part Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven record. The new project takes the No. 3 spot with 27K in total first-week consumption (16K album only/13 million song streams). The album’s title track, which also notches the top debut on the country streaming songs chart, comes in at No. 85 with 2.1 million streams, according to Luminate data.
Higher up on the top country streaming songs chart, everything remains the same for a third consecutive week. Zach Bryan claims No. 1 with “Something In The Orange” gaining 15 million streams. Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof” follows in No. 2 adding 10 million streams, while his “Wasted On You” remains at No. 5 with 7.6 million streams. Luke Combs maintains the third position with “The Kind Of Love We Make” tacking on 9.8 million streams, and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Rock And A Hard Place” keeps the fourth spot with 9 million streams.
On the album’s side, Wallen’s blockbuster Dangerous: The Double Album unsurprisingly claims the top spot, adding 46K in total consumption (1.5K album only/56 million song streams). Bryan’s American Heartbreak remains at No. 2 with 28K, and Combs’ Growin’ Up keeps its spot at No. 4 with 16.5K in total consumption. Taylor Swift jumps up to close out the top five as Red (Taylor’s Version) notches 16K in total consumption.
Industry Ink: John Prine, AIMP Nashville, McBride & The Ride, Jazzmania
/by Lydia FarthingBMI Hosts Kick Off Event For ‘You Got Gold: The Life And Songs Of John Prine’
Pictured (L-R): John R. Miller, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Fiona Prine, Tommy Prine, Katie Pruitt, Pat McLaughlin, Kyle Young, BMI’s Clay Bradley Photo: Josh Britt and Neilson Hubbard
Last Thursday (Oct. 6), BMI hosted a VIP event to kick off “You Got Gold: the Life and Songs of John Prine.” Held from Oct. 7 -12, the weeklong tribute benefiting The Hello In There Foundation is set to feature an array of surprise artists performing and celebrating Prine’s legendary life and songs.
The invite-only party, hosted at BMI Nashville’s rooftop terrace, honored the late Prine and his influence on the musical community. The celebration featured performances of Prine’s songs from Katie Pruitt, longtime friend and collaborator Pat McLaughlin and John and Fiona’s son, Tommy Prine.
AIMP Nashville Takes Over Listening Room For 2022 Songwriter Series
Pictured (L-R back row): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Tim Hunze (Big Machine), Michael Martin (Endurance Music), Duff Berschback (Concord), Courtney Crist (Anthem), hit songwriter host Eric Paslay, John Ozier (Reservoir), Kendall Lettow (Peermusic), Emily Boardman (River House), hit songwriter host Kelly Archer, and Courtney Kruckeberg (Endurance Music); (L-R, front row): Class of 2022 members Colton Venner, Erin Kinsey, Meg McRee, Brigetta, Caroline Watkins, and John Byron.
The AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series took over Nashville’s Listening Room Café on Oct. 4. Hosted by hit songwriters Kelly Archer and Eric Paslay, the event featured performances from the Songwriter Series Class of 2022, which includes Brigetta, John Byron, Erin Kinsey, Meg McRee, Colton Venner and Caroline Watkins.
Each year, the Songwriter Series showcases a new class of six promising writers who have not had a song charting higher than a top 20 on the Billboard or Mediabase charts. They are selected by a special committee made up of music industry professionals, based on submissions from current AIMP Nashville Chapter members.
McBride & The Ride Sign With Action Entertainment Collaborative, Richlynn Group
Pictured (L-R): AEC’s Jimmy Dasher, Terry McBride, Richlynn Group’s Kate Richardson, Billy Thomas, and Ray Herndon. Photo: Courtesy of Richlynn Group
ACM and CMA-nominated group McBride & The Ride have inked deals with Action Entertainment Collaborative (AEC) for booking and the Richlynn Group for publicity and marketing. Jimmy Dasher will represent the band for all booking requests, and Kate Richardson will serve as lead on PR and marketing.
The 90’s band, whose hit songs include “Love on the Loose, Heart on the Run,” “Sacred Ground” and “Going Out of My Mind,” have reunited with all three original members–Ray Herndon, Terry McBride and Billy Thomas–are gearing up for their first new EP in nearly 30 years. The first single will be released Nov. 4 via InGrooves. The trio is currently on the road with upcoming stops in Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and more.
“As excited as I’ve been to make the move to AEC myself, I know it’s going to be a perfect fit for Terry, Ray, Billy and the whole crew,” Dasher notes. “I’m thrilled about this next chapter with AEC and The Ride.”
“The 90s are back and so is McBride & The Ride! We are so thrilled to run with this new music, reconnect the band with their original fans, and introduce them to a whole new generation of country lovers,” Richardson adds. “I’ve been a longtime fan, and can’t wait for people to hear the killer new music from the trio.”
Nashville Jazz Workshop Announces The Return Of In-Person Jazzmania
The Young Artist Ensemble. Photo: Courtesy of Mojo Marketing + PR
The Nashville Jazz Workshop will celebrate the return of its in-person Jazzmania on Oct. 22 in Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin from 6-10 p.m. CT. The annual celebration of jazz music serves as a concert fundraiser to support the mission of the Nashville Jazz Workshop.
Jazzmania 2022 will feature The Young Artist Ensemble, a group of talented high school age jazz students, as well as the NJW All-Stars, which consists of faculty and performing artists led by Workshop founders Lori Mechem and Roger Spencer. Latin Jazz and Salsa from Giovanni Rodriguez and 12 Manos will close out the evening. Attendees can enjoy food from The Clean Plate Club, wine and beer from Lipman Brothers and a Jazzmania cocktail, courtesy of Cathead Vodka. They will also have the chance to bid on unique artworks and collectibles in a live auction.
For more information on the event and ticket packages, click here.
Elle King Makes It Country Music Official With ‘Come Get Your Wife,’ Due Out In January
/by Lorie HollabaughElle King. Photo: Pooneh Ghana
CMA and ACM-winning crossover artist Elle King will take the dive into country music with her new album, Come Get Your Wife, slated for release on Jan. 27.
Filled with the rock, soul, bluegrass and country that the hitmaker loves, the project includes a dozen tracks that run a gauntlet of styles and attitudes. The collection, co-produced by King with Ross Copperman, features her history-making duet with Miranda Lambert, “Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home), plus tracks like “Bonafide,” “Out Yonder,” “Try Jesus,” and a duet with familiar pal Dierks Bentley, “Worth A Shot.”
“There’s something about how you put the pieces together,” King offers of her first true country project. “This whole album is a crazy quilt of all sorts of moments and things that might not seem to go together, but because they’re me, they do. It’s very Southern Ohio, very who we are–and very much a lot of people who are just like me, because I know they’re out there.”
King has found quite a home in the country realm, collaborating with Bentley, Lambert and Ashley McBryde, and touring with Chris Stapleton for the better part of 2022.
The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter was recently highlighted in MusicRow’s 2022 Publisher Issue for her work and growing career as one of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters. To read more about the issue or to purchase a copy, click here.
1. Ohio – Written by Elle King, Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
2. Before You Met Me – Written by Tofer Brown, Margaret McRee & Lauren Hungate
3. Try Jesus – Written by Elle King, Geoffrey Warburton, Casey Cathleen Smith, Ashley Gorley & Ben Johnson
4. Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home) with Miranda Lambert – Written by Elle King & Martin Johnson
5. Lucky – Written by Elle King, Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
6. Worth A Shot (featuring Dierks Bentley) Written by Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman & Josh Osborne
7. Tulsa – Written by Elle King, Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
8. Crawlin’ Mood – Written by Charlie Worsham & Jesse Frasure
9. Bonafide – Written by Elle King, Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
10. Blacked Out – Written by Elle King & Martin Johnson
11. Out Yonder – Written by Bobby Hamrick, Ella Langley & Matt McKinney
12. Love Go By – Written by Elle King, Geoffrey Warburton & Joe Janiak
Hardy To Launch Cross-Country ‘The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour’ In February
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy. Photo: Ryan Smith
Hardy has announced his “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour,” a 16-date headlining run launching Feb. 16 in Indianapolis.
He’ll be joined by Jameson Rodgers and rock newcomers Blame My Youth for the trek, which is in support of Hardy’s just-announced sophomore album of the same name. The tour will make stops in Atlanta, Denver, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, and more through April 29.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be able to bring this record to you next year. Touring it is something I’ve been thinking about since we started the recording process,” Hardy says. “This album is my best work so far. I truly believe that, and I want this tour to reflect that every night. Excited to have my buddies Blame My Youth and Jameson out with me; it’s going to be crazy.”
Tickets for “The Mockingbird & The Crow Tour” are available this Friday (Oct. 14) , with fan pre-sales starting tomorrow (Oct. 12) and launching throughout the week.
This December, Hardy will embark on his sold-out, nine-stop “Wall to Wall Tour” with guest Jackson Dean and a one-night-only appearance from rockers Puddle of Mudd.
Brett Eldredge Announces Dates For His Annual ‘Glow Live’ Holiday Tour
/by Liza AndersonPlatinum-selling artist Brett Eldredge is ready to ring in the holiday season with the return of his annual “Glow Live Tour.”
During the the 14-date-run, Eldredge will make stops in major cities across the nation, including back-to-back nights in New York City, Boston and Chicago. He is also set to kick off the tradition with a three-night-residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, inviting fans to join him on the third night via livestream.
Eldredge’s fan club will have early access to ticket pre-sales beginning today (Oct. 11). Citi cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets until Oct. 23. Tickets will open to the public this Friday, Oct. 14 at bretteldredge.com.
The tour originally began as a single live show in Nashville, inspired by Eldredge’s celebrated 2016 Christmas album of the same name. The record notched No. 2 on the country charts upon release and featured the Billboard Adult Contemporary and Holiday Music chart-topping duet “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Meghan Trainor. It was followed by his 2021 seasonal album, Mr. Christmas.
“Glow Live Tour 2022” Dates:
Fri Nov 25 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Sat Nov 26 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Sun Nov 27 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium & “Glow” Livestream
Thu Dec 1 – Cleveland, OH – Playhouse Square
Fri Dec 2 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
Sat Dec 3 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Tue Dec 6 – Washington, DC – DAR Constitution Hall
Fri Dec 9 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Sat Dec 10 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tue Dec 13 – Grand Prairie, TX – Texas Trust CU Theatre
Thu Dec 15 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
Thu Dec 16 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
Thu Dec 20 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
Thu Dec 21 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
Dillon Carmichael Expands ‘Son Of A’ Album With Upcoming Deluxe Edition
/by Lydia FarthingDillon Carmichael. Photo: Alex Berger
Kentucky-bred singer-songwriter Dillon Carmichael will release the deluxe edition of his 2021 album Son Of A on Oct. 21 via Riser House Records.
Arriving one day shy of the album’s anniversary, the 18-track project includes a handful of Carmichael’s latest singles alongside his brand new ode to cracking cold ones, “Beer Ain’t Gonna Drink Itself,” co-written by Carmichael, David Lee Murphy and Michael Hardy. The Deluxe Edition also features the previously released “If I Wasn’t Your Man,” the ’90s country-inspired “Rolling Stone” featuring Drew Parker and Tyler Booth, and the bass-driven collaboration with The Cadillac Three, “Pickin’ Up Girls.” Also offered up on the new collection is an acoustic take on his current single, “Son Of A,” which is climbing the charts at country radio.
Carmichael has been busy on the road, opening for Brooks & Dunn, Justin Moore, Travis Tritt and more. He recently tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Shayla Whitson.
1. Hot Beer (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
2. Big Truck (Dillon Carmichael, Jessi Alexander, David Lee Murphy)
3. Paychecks and Longnecks (Brice Long, Greylan James)
4. Family Tree (Dillon Carmichael, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell)
5. Hose Water (Rhett Akins, Travis Hill, Paul DiGiovanni)
6. Son of A (Dillon Carmichael, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell)
7. Man Made A Bar (Jon Pardi, Shane McAnally, Luke Laird)
8. Red, White, Camo and Blue (Dillon Carmichael, Bobby Pinson, Phil O’Donnell)
9. Leave The Lovin’ (Jaren Johnston, Luke Laird)
10. Since You’ve Been In It (Dillon Carmichael, Ray Fulcher, Michael Whitworth, Daniel Ross)
11. Pickin’ Up Girls feat. The Cadillac Three (Dillon Carmichael, Jaren Johnston, James McNair)
12. Gonna Wish You Did (Michael Hardy, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Brad Clawson)
13. Somewhere She Ain’t (Dillon Carmichael, Jessi Alexander, Ben Hayslip)
14. Baby I Would (Jaren Johnston, Tony Lane)
15. If I Wasn’t Your Man (Dillon Carmichael, Jon D’Agostino, Adam Searan)
16. Rolling Stone feat. Tyler Booth and Drew Parker (Dillon Carmichael, Tyler Booth, Houston Phillips, Phil O’Donnell)
17. Beer Ain’t Gonna Drink Itself (Dillon Carmichael, Michael Hardy, David Lee Murphy)
18. Son of A (Acoustic) (Dillon Carmichael, Casey Beathard, Phil O’Donnell)
Scotty McCreery Receives Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery. Photo: Nikki Boertman
Multi-Platinum selling entertainer Scotty McCreery has been honored with the annual Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award, which singles out a country artist for outstanding commitment and service to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Alabama lead singer presented McCreery with the award at the annual Country Cares Seminar, which precedes the launch of the #ThisShirtSavesLives promotion in support of the #MusicGives to St. Jude Kids initiative.
Pictured (L-R): Craig Morgan, Scotty McCreery, Randy Owen. Photo: Nikki Boertman
Since 2014, McCreery and his wife, Gabi, have been champions of St. Jude’s mission. From visiting the St. Jude campus to appearing on Celebrity Family Feud and donating his $25,000 winnings to the hospital, the Triple Tigers recording artist has supported several St. Jude campaigns over nearly a decade of partnership.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Angels Among Us Award from St. Jude,” McCreery shares. “The patients and families here have been an inspiration to me, just as I know they are to so many other country artists as well. With continued support from country radio and our loyal listeners, who pitch in to play their part for this wonderful cause, we can make a difference together by helping ensure that no family receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so they can focus on helping their child live.”
He continues, “That’s a beautiful thing to me, and I’m happy to lend my voice in support of such an amazing cause. And then to receive this award from the legendary Randy Owen himself is a moment I’ll treasure always.”
Past recipients of the Angels Among Us award include namesake Randy Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, and industry leaders Lon Helton and Bill Mayne.
Top Five Hold Strong On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, Zach Bryan Leads The Pack
/by Lydia FarthingZach Bryan
This week, all things remain steady on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart as the top five writers keep their respective places.
For a third consecutive week, Warner Records’ Zach Bryan seals the No. 1 spot as the sole writer on his three currently charting songs. His credits can be found on “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Bailey Zimmerman (No. 5) round out the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Ashley McBryde Helps Reveal 2022 CMA Broadcast Award Winners
/by Lydia FarthingThe Country Music Association (CMA) has unveiled the recipients of the 2022 CMA Broadcast Awards. Five-time 2022 CMA Awards nominee and the soon-to-be-newest Grand Ole Opry member, Ashley McBryde surprised radio stations and broadcast personalities with one-on-one calls to reveal the news.
The categories are established by market size based on population as ranked by Nielsen. Entries for Broadcast Personality of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and biographical information. Candidates for Radio Station of the Year are judged on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and format leadership.
CMA members who are full-time, on-air personalities and CMA member radio stations in the United States and Canada were eligible to submit entries. The entries are judged by a panel of broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions.
The 56th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
2022 CMA Broadcast Awards Winners:
CMA Broadcast Personality of the Year:
Weekly National – “The Country Top 40 With Fitz” (Cory Fitzner) – Hubbard Radio
Daily National – “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, “Morgan #2” Huelsman, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, “Scuba Steve” Stephen Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, and “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson) – Premiere Networks
Major Market – “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
Large Market – “Jim, Deb & Kevin” (Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt, and Kevin Freeman) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
Medium Market – “New Country Mornings With Nancy and Woody” (Nancy Wilson and Aaron “Woody” Woods) – WHKO, Dayton, Ohio
Small Market – “The Cat Pak Morning Show With Brent and Mel” (Brent Lane and Mel McCrae) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
CMA Radio Station of the Year:
Major Market – WYCD – Detroit, Mich.
Large Market – WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.
Medium Market – WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Small Market – WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
ACM Announces Promotions & New Hires Across Several Departments In New Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Maddy Stessman, Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance; Katie Ozel, Manager, Finance; Michael Stern, Office Manager; Mallory Papa, Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat, Coordinator, Content & Creative; Sally Bishop, Assistant, Marketing & Communications
The Academy of Country Music has hired and promoted staffers across several departments.
Maddy Stessman has been promoted to the new role of Director, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance. Joining the staff are Katie Ozel as Manager, Finance; Michael Stern as Office Manager for the Academy’s new Nashville office; Mallory Papa as Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media; Brittany Uhniat as Coordinator, Content & Creative; and Sally Bishop as Assistant, Marketing & Communications.
“We couldn’t be more excited to add so many passionate and enthusiastic members to our team, especially as we open the doors to our new headquarters office here in Nashville,” notes Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “The impact of these new and elevated staff members has already been felt at ACM Party for a Cause and ACM Honors and will continue to help bridge the sectors of our community and ensure a bright and successful future for the Academy, our members, and the country music industry.”
Originally from Petaluma, California, Stessman joined the Academy in fall 2016 as Assistant, Events, following an internship during the 50th ACM Awards in Texas. She has since held the titles Coordinator, Events, as well as Manager, Artist & Industry Relations, Board Administration & Governance with the organization.
In her role, Stessman will focus on building and developing relations across the ACM staff, Board of Directors, and the country music industry. She will also book artist visits at the new Nashville headquarters and serve as talent manager for select ACM and ACM Lifting Lives live events. Additionally, she will organize the Leadership Development and ACM Board election process while continuing to execute the Academy’s quarterly Board meetings.
Ozel joins the Academy after four years as a senior accountant at Asurion, where she led AP/AR processing, IT accounting migrations, training and onboarding for new accounting hires, invoicing, strategic planning, statements, and more. In her role, she will be performing AP/AR financial processes along with analyzing expense and budget reports, journal entries, and all other financial reporting as needed.
Born and raised in Palm City, Florida, Stern has worked at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival and interned with the ACM’s Events team beginning in January 2022. After the 57th ACM Awards, he stayed on as an intern, assisting both the Events and Artist and Industry Relations teams. In his new role, Stern will manage logistics for the Academy’s Nashville headquarters, as well as assist with event operations for the ACM Awards, ACM Honors, ACM Party for a Cause, and ACM Board Meetings.
Originally from New Philadelphia, Ohio, Papa graduated from Ohio’s Bowling Green State University in 2020, then moved to Kentucky to work in digital marketing and advertising. She also worked as the social media manager for Imagine for Youth, the non-profit organization of Buffalo Bills’ Micah Hyde. In her role as Coordinator, Papa supports the Academy’s marketing department, managing daily publishing, media development and review, and community engagement across owned media channels, including social media and DSP channels.
Raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Uhniat attended Belmont University and began her career in the industry at Words and Music as a publishing administration coordinator. Before joining the Academy, she served as a creative coordinator at Resin8 Music. In her role as Coordinator, Uhniat will assist in scheduling and managing video shoots and other content productions. She will also assist with the day-to-day management of the Academy’s content platforms, including websites, quarterly membership magazine ACM TEMPO, and more.
Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Bishop attended college at the University of Cincinnati where she earned a degree in journalism. Bishop also holds certificates in Digital Broadcast News and Deaf Studies, and recently completed a nine-month internship with the ACM’s Content team, where she helped develop and produce the ACM Legends Lunch social content series. In her role as Assistant, Bishop will work with the Marketing and Communications teams on all day-to-day needs.