CMA Announces Two New Staff Hires

NASHVILLE – The Country Music Association has announced the addition of two new hires. Michael Farris joins CMA as Senior Manager of Consumer Research, and Pamela Hothorn joins CMA as Creative Content Project Manager of Creative Services.

Farris comes to CMA from The Aspire Group in Atlanta, where he was Director of Strategic Consulting and Research, leading the cross-departmental team in executing custom quantitative and qualitative research, strategic marketing plans, and ticket packaging and pricing models for over 70 global sport and entertainment clients. Research projects for The Aspire Group included designing and conducting questionnaires for consumer journey analysis, brand and competitive perceptions, marketing effectiveness, communication and messaging testing, purchase intentions, and segmentation profiling. Farris also conducted workshops with clients to develop actionable strategies based on the research.

Prior to The Aspire Group, Farris worked at Game Day Communications as the Research and Innovation Coordinator, where his tasks included leveraging consumer reach and trend analyses to create public relations and social media strategies. Farris received his undergraduate degree from Northern Kentucky University and a MBA from the University of Central Florida.

At CMA, Farris is instrumental in executing music industry and fan engagement insights, managing and reporting fan data analytics and research communications. He reports to CMA Senior Director of Market Research, Karen Stump.

Hothorn comes to CMA from Fuse Media in Los Angeles where she served as Director of Original Content of Live Events, producing multi-platform video coverage of nationwide music festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Coachella and Voodoo. Other projects included capturing live performances and artist interviews in addition to spearheading integrated marketing campaigns for brands such as Doritos, Twix, Geico and Toyota.

Prior to Fuse Media, Hothorn was Senior Events Producer at KCRW in Los Angeles, where she produced marquee music, cultural and fundraising events. She started her career working at Paramount Pictures and served as a screenwriter for Lionsgate and Disney/Touchstone. Hothorn is a graduate of New York University with a BFA in Film and Television Production.
Hothorn’s responsibilities at CMA include video content production, photo management and data asset administration. She reports to CMA Director of Creative Services, Amanda Eckard.

Michael Farris, CMA Senior Manager of Consumer Research Photo credit: Amanda Eckard/CMA

Pamela Hothorn, CMA Creative Content Project Manager of Creative Services Photo credit: Tony Guembes