THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION STRENGTHENS OPERATIONS WITH KEY PROMOTIONS AND NEW HIRES
The Country Music Association has announced recent promotions and new additions, further enhancing the vital roles across multiple teams and departments.
Michael Farris has been promoted to Vice President, Business Strategy and Insights, advancing from his previous role as Senior Director, Business Strategy and Insights. In this elevated position, Farris drives CMA’s strategic growth by leveraging data, technology, and cross-department collaboration to streamline processes, foster innovation, and enhance organizational growth. He continues to oversee insights, ticketing, and data architecture teams, while expanding his role to lead a cross-functional initiative that aligns revenue efforts through shared planning and resources to drive greater impact toward CMA’s mission. Prior to joining CMA in 2018, he led the Strategic Consulting and Research team at The Aspire Group. Farris reports to Emily Evans, Senior Vice President, Business Strategy and Operations. Reach Farris at [email protected].
“Michael made an immediate impact when he joined CMA in 2018 and has exponentially grown the depth and breadth of that impact through his strategic vision, drive for innovation, and cross-functional leadership,” says Evans. “His guidance of our Insights, Ticketing, and Data Architecture teams has driven measurable, meaningful results, and his dexterity to support high priority, cross-functional initiatives beyond his official scope has generated countless improvements across the entire organization. It’s exciting to think about all the opportunities Michael could open for CMA in his new role.”
Kate Watson has been promoted to Senior Director, Industry Relations, moving from her previous role as Director, Industry Relations. Watson leads CMA’s industry relations and membership strategy, overseeing industry partnerships, community building, talent relations, and workforce development initiatives that strengthen CMA’s role across the music industry. She also directs membership engagement and events while ensuring seamless artist and industry experiences at all major CMA events. Prior to joining CMA full time in 2018, she spent years in the talent buying and live entertainment space with Klein’s Entertainment. Earlier in her career, she was involved with CMA EDU and completed an internship with CMA. Watson reports to Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. Reach Watson at [email protected].
“Kate has grown into an incredible leader within CMA, bringing curiosity, commitment, and a constant drive to pour back into our industry,” says Kerns. “From strengthening CMA EDU, to guiding our Touring Mentorship and Women’s Leadership Academy initiatives, she continues to find meaningful ways to bolster professional development across the community. She plays a vital role in ensuring our members see themselves reflected in our events, maximizing their participation and making every experience more impactful. I am thrilled to celebrate her promotion and can’t wait to see the ways she will continue shaping the future of our industry.”
Jeff Leet has been promoted to Director, Brand Integrity, after joining the CMA team in the role of Senior Graphic Designer. Leet serves as art director for all CMA branded properties, including the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, CMA Country Christmas, industry awards, and membership, developing visual identity and creative standards across events and initiatives. He oversees digital, print, and merchandise design, manages creative vendors and staff, and collaborates with internal teams and television partners to ensure brand consistency and impactful execution. Prior to joining CMA in 2023, he spent time in graphic design roles with All Elite Wrestling, MP&F Strategic Communications and CMT. Leet reports to Amanda Eckard, Senior Director, Creative and Content. Reach Leet at [email protected].
“Jeff has elevated CMA’s visual identity to new heights, strengthening the brand and presenting a cohesive look across the organization’s properties,” says Eckard. “He’s the consummate team player, constantly expanding his knowledge and advancing CMA’s overall content strategy. This promotion is so well deserved and ensures the integrity of CMA’s brand will continue to be preserved for years to come.”
Additional CMA promotions and new hires include:
- Lindsey Morrison has been promoted to Senior Manager, Community Engagement for the CMA Foundation, having previously served as Manager, Community Engagement. Morrison reports to Michelle Kirk, Senior Director, CMA Foundation. Reach Morrison at [email protected].
- Richard Xiong has been promoted to Insights Senior Analyst from his previous position of Insights Analyst. Xiong reports to LeighAnn Rodd, Director, Insights. Reach Xiong at [email protected].
- Mary Spaulding has been hired as Content Production Manager, having previously held the position of Production Coordinator at FlyteVu. Spaulding reports to Pamela Hothorn, Director, Content Production. Reach Spaulding at [email protected].
- Kennedy Strickler has been promoted to Communications Project Manager, having previously served as Communications Coordinator. Strickler reports to Catharine McNelly, Vice President, Communications. Reach Strickler at [email protected].
About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. CMA created the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961 to recognize artists and industry professionals with Country Music’s highest honor. Music industry professionals and companies across the U.S. and around the globe are members of CMA. The organization serves as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advances the growth of Country Music around the world. This is accomplished through CMA’s core initiatives: the CMA Awards, which annually recognize outstanding achievement in the industry; CMA Fest, which benefits the CMA Foundation and music education and is taped for a three-hour network television special, “CMA Fest”; and “CMA Country Christmas.” All of CMA’s television properties air on ABC.
