Meet the Nashville Women Shaking Up Music, Money, and Power in 2025

30 years ago, when I relocated to Nashville, the scene was dramatically distinct, notes Country Music Assn. CEO Sarah Trahern, who was among EbMaster’s first Power of Women Nashville laureates. Now, it’s thrilling to observe tangible progress towards equal representation in leadership roles – be it in businesses, writing rooms, or artist groups, a significant number of which are currently directed by women. This change, though still evolving, has been a long time coming. Here’s hoping that shattered glass ceilings become as commonplace in Nashville as boots and Telecasters.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d like to clarify that this isn’t your typical power ranking list. Instead, it’s about showcasing some of the most impactful and influential executives within our industry – not necessarily the ones who hold the most power. Our goal is to bring attention to fresh faces next year, helping more women shine brightly in their careers. A big round of applause for everyone involved!

Jackie Augustus

Lead, country & folk, artist partnerships, Spotify

Augustus has dedicated her professional journey to transforming the image of country music. Utilizing Spotify’s platform, she championed unconventional artists with a country slant such as Beyoncé, Post Malone, Shaboozey, and Dasha, contributing significantly to a 20% surge in monthly streams for the genre in 2024. In addition, she achieved record-breaking attendance for the second consecutive year at CMA Fest over three days, with the Spotify House hosting more than 60 artists, including Post Malone and MGK. Furthermore, Augustus developed engaging video content through Spotify’s video podcast series “Countdown,” featuring Jelly Roll and MGK, as well as episodes of “Outside” showcasing up-and-coming acts like Gossett, Megan Moroney, and Luke Grimes.

Mindy Barry

In an uncommon turn, a cat food brand like Sheba has ventured into unique territories such as funding coral reef restoration documentaries, participating in sports events like March Madness, and even appearing in 3D on Central London’s Bond Street. As the Global VP of Marketing for Sheba under Mars Pet Nutrition, Barry focuses on utilizing the brand’s extensive reach for storytelling purposes. Over the past year, Sheba has indeed carried out these extraordinary activities. Among these, she spearheaded the funding of the documentary “Reef Builders,” which premiered at SXSW 2025 and highlights the grassroots initiatives behind one of the world’s most significant reef restoration projects. Additionally, she initiated a creator-led social media competition that led to the finals of March Madness, and received recognition with a Lion at the 2024 Cannes International Festival of Creativity.

Stacy Blythe

As Executive Vice President at Big Loud, Blythe played a crucial role in promoting the company to become not only a significant player but the leading label in country music for airplay in 2024. By strategically boosting the exposure of their artist roster that embodies the Big Loud brand, Blythe was instrumental in making Miranda Lambert’s “Wranglers” a hit, as well as creating widespread popularity for Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion” (through sister label Mercury) with collaborations like “Pour Me a Drink” featuring Blake Shelton and the unavoidable “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen. In 2024 alone, Blythe successfully managed five No. 1 hits for the company, including Hardy’s “Truck Bed” and Ashley Cooke’s first chart-topper, “Your Place.

Julie Boos

The individual in question, a key figure in FBMM Entertainment Business Management, oversaw a staggering $170 million in earnings for her clients in the year 2024. This revenue was generated from tours spanning across North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Her ties to Music City are strong; she earned an MBA from Belmont University’s Massey School of Business before delving into the music industry. Here, she works not only with esteemed recording artists but also assists emerging talents in navigating their initial steps within the industry. This dedicated professional is also a founding member of Nurturing Outstanding Women, offering guidance to career-focused women through a mentorship program. Furthermore, she is an ardent advocate for foster care. As she expresses, “There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing artists reach the financial milestones we discussed and dreamt about at the start of their careers. I’ve been in this field long enough now to celebrate these significant achievements with the very same individuals.

Tiffany Dunn

Co-office administrative partner, Loeb & Loeb

Dunn is renowned for her extensive expertise in copyright, trademark, and intellectual property law, making her one of the leading entertainment lawyers in Nashville. She advises musical legends, superstars, and songwriters, currently serving as the representative for the John R. Cash Revocable Trust, managing deals for books, a stage show, a statue at the U.S. Capitol, and even a soccer club jersey. For Luke Combs, she has guided partnership agreements with Miller Lite, Crocs, NASCAR, and Columbia Sports, as well as collaboration agreements with Tracy Chapman, Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, and others for the theme song of the 2024 film “Twisters” and Combs’ “Fathers & Sons” album. In addition, she counsels Vince Gill, Runaway June, Casting Crowns, and numerous others on their careers, as well as iconic venues like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge and Honky Tonk Central.

Leslie Fram

Known for significantly elevating the visibility of female country musicians, Fram has made a significant impact. Previously serving as a senior programming VP at CMT, where she launched the influential Next Women of Country initiative in 2013, she also co-founded Change the Conversation. Now, she’s unveiled the Fram Entertainment and Music Company (FEMco), a collective focusing on artist and brand consulting. With FEMcountry as an extension, she plans to continue her mission of empowering women in country music. “I enjoy working with artists who invest their emotions into their craft to transform passion into a lasting career,” Fram expresses. “I aim to guide them through the exciting yet ruthless industry, directing them towards prospects, connections, and strategies they might not discover independently.” She views her role with these artists as that of a mentor, strategist, encourager, and sometimes even a counselor.

Holly G

Black Opry’s Founder
Holly G, the founder of Black Opry, has shown that the pool of talented Black country and Americana artists is far deeper than the industry previously believed. Over the past four years since Black Opry was established, her organization has identified more than 200 such artists, many of whom have been given a platform. Holly G advocates for changes in executive offices to ensure lasting change, rather than temporary fixes that she fears may occur. She has even spoken about these issues at Country Radio Seminar. Notable artists who have performed on Black Opry Revue bills include Tylar Bryant, Grace Givertz, Jett Holden, Julie Williams and Roberta Lea.

Tracy Gershon

Founder, Shero Entertainment

Gershon previously held key positions at almost every prominent record label, publishing house, or management firm based on Music Row. Later, she established Shero where she manages acts like SistaStrings, Olivia Wolf, and shares management duties for Allison Russell. Additionally, she consults for Brandy Clark. Alongside Brandi Carlile, Gershon co-runs the publishing company Northern Lights Music and informally functions as a versatile player for her. Moreover, she serves as a trustee for the Recording Academy. However, Gershon emphasizes that her main focus is activism, which led to the creation of the Change the Conversation nonprofit in 2014. She feels that this organization has played a significant role in fostering a supportive environment for women and pushing labels and publishers to address why they were neglecting talented women.

JoJamie Hahr

Executive Vice President of Recorded Music at BMG Nashville, Hahr

The dedication and love for her work and the artists she champions is evident. She manages the daily operations of BMG’s BBR Label Group and its subsidiaries, leading the label group to new successes with artists such as Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson. Starting in radio, Hahr has held positions at MCA, Valory Music, Big Machine, and Broken Bow. Over the past year, Hahr and her team have propelled Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken” to the top of the Billboard 200 and further elevated Lainey Wilson with her “Whirlwind” album. “In business, as a woman, what you wear and how you express yourself should not dictate your power or worth; it should not restrict your box,” she says. “Ultimately, these factors should not matter if you are kind, treat people well, and work diligently. Your brilliance will shine through regardless.

Stephanie Hudacek

President, Rounder-Concord

Transforming an established record label into a contemporary powerhouse is no small feat, but Hudacek, who assumed leadership of a 55-year-old label with a rich history that encompasses Alison Krauss, Nanci Griffith, and George Thorogood, seems to be making significant strides towards this goal. With a versatile resume that spans founding the distribution/label services company Soundly Music, holding executive positions at independent labels Riser House and Late August, and working as a recording engineer and tour manager, Hudacek oversees a roster featuring Grammy-winning Americana star Sierra Ferrell (currently touring with Post Malone this spring), along with newcomers Ken Pomeroy and JD Clayton. “I enjoy demonstrating that order and emotion can harmoniously coexist—that you can establish efficient systems, run a well-managed operation, and still be moved by a lyric,” she expresses.

Deana Ivey

President, CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

Over the past 27 years, Ivey has played a significant role in showcasing Nashville as a premier global tourist destination. She has been instrumental in developing and promoting iconic events such as the Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash concert, which featured Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Shaboozey, and Brittany Spencer, drawing over 220,000 people to Bicentennial Mall State Park. Additionally, she has been the driving force behind the Music City Walk of Fame, and co-produced two acclaimed Nashville documentaries. Ivey’s efforts have helped establish Nashville as a diverse music hub, contributing significantly to the city’s tourism industry. Today, Nashville welcomes 17.1 million annual visitors and boasts $10.8 billion in direct visitor spending, making up a third of all visitor spending in Tennessee.

Michelle Tigard Kammerer

Head of country music, Amazon Music

Ever since I was young, my aspiration has been to share the music I’m passionate about with as many people as I can,” Kammerer expresses. At Amazon, she discovered opportunities to make this dream a reality. Beyond overseeing artist and label relationships, marketing strategies, and partnerships with the ACM Awards and Stagecoach, she also manages brands like “Country Heat,” which has amassed more than 28 billion streams since its launch. Her past roles at CAA, Country Radio Broadcasters, Dot Records, and Big Machine Label Group laid a strong groundwork for her transition to Amazon in 2021. As she puts it, “The Nashville entertainment community is special and unlike any other segment of the industry. You have to be prepared to participate.” She continues, “What you put into Nashville will be returned to you a hundredfold.

Beverly Keel

Dean of College of Media and Entertainment, Middle Tennessee State University

For three decades, Keel’s academic journey has been punctuated by periods dedicated to journalism or publicity. However, her deep-seated passion eventually led her back to MTSU, a university that combines the intimate atmosphere of a small college with the advantages of a large institution. Here, she finds daily inspiration from her students during challenging times. As a graduate, she is in esteemed company alongside artists like Hardy, Chris Young, and Hillary Scott, as well as prominent Music Row executives. Keel is also a co-founder of Change the Conversation, an advocacy group. When they first started, there was still debate over whether women faced challenges in country music. Now, this issue is widely acknowledged, thanks to their efforts. During a period when women’s achievements are being diminished by the federal government, Keel encourages young women to express themselves and chase their dreams.

Callie Khouri

The person most linked to the film and television industry in Nashville is the woman who developed and oversaw the series “Nashville,” which aired from 2012 to 2018. However, it was not until the beginning of this decade that Khouri made Nashville her permanent home, having moved from Los Angeles with her musician-producer husband, T Bone Burnett. Despite her move, she’s still hoping for her industry to catch up. “You won’t have a boom unless there are tax credits, which every production is drawn towards, and states like Georgia offer.” Currently, Khouri has two major projects in progress: an adaptation of Fannie Flagg’s novel “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion,” which she’s co-writing and directing for Reba McEntire, and a Broadway-bound musical based on her Oscar-winning “Thelma and Louise” screenplay, with songwriter Neko Case.

Cris Lacy

Co-chair, co-president, Warner Music Nashville

Lacy, a singer, Vanderbilt alumna, and veteran in music publishing, is well-versed in the dedication needed to reach the peak of contemporary country music. She spearheaded the comeback of traditionalist icon Randy Travis, whose “Where That Came From” marked his first Billboard’s Country Airplay chart appearance in two decades following a serious stroke. Additionally, she signed and developed Gavin Adcock’s “Actin’ Up Again,” which was the top debut of 2024 from a major label solo male artist. A conversation with Cody Johnson led to the independent Texas artist signing with Warner Nashville, and her advice played a significant role in shaping “Leather,” the 2024 CMA Album of the Year, containing the CMA and ACM nominated Songs of the Year “The Painter” and “Dirt Cheap.

Taylor Lindsey

In her current position as head of Sony Nashville, Lindsey has risen through the ranks from being the Senior Vice President of A&R. During her tenure, she and her team cultivated a star-studded roster that includes Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Maren Morris, Nate Smith, Old Dominion, and Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Brooks & Dunn. Additionally, she oversees Provident Entertainment, one of the most significant labels in Christian music with acts such as Casting Crowns, Donnie McClurkin, and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir on its roster. A dedicated team player and sister to songwriting legend Hillary, Lindsey was recognized as an EbMaster New Leader in 2019 and a Hitmaker the following year.

Rakiyah Marshall

Founder, CEO, Back Blocks Music

As a passionate moviegoer might put it, having honed my skills in promotion and artist development for five years with Republic Records and Universal Music in the bustling city of New York, I followed the rhythm of my heart to Nashville. There, I sharpened my talents under the guidance of Brett James at Cornman Music and Kos Weaver at BMG. All this experience has been instrumental in shaping Back Blocks, my dynamic publishing, management, and artist development firm. Here, I stand at the helm of an extraordinary all-female team who manage a diverse roster of exceptional talents such as CMA nominee Lily Rose, Ashley Cooke (one of only three women to achieve a No. 1 single in 2024), and breakthrough artist Tucker Wetmore. At Back Blocks, I am proud to declare that every member of my team is a woman, not by chance but as a deliberate choice. This reflects the kind of empowering environment I aspire to create: one where women take charge, express their voices, and triumph.

Ebie McFarland

Head of Essential Broadcast Media, McFarland
McFarland has been honored as Publicist of the Year by the Country Music Association on four occasions, and she serves as the chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Academy of Country Music. Her prestigious clientele is a testament to her expertise: Upon launching EBM in 2007, she started working with Darius Rucker, followed closely by Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, and Eric Church, who have remained part of her success story for the most part. It’s no surprise then that when Morgan Wallen, the industry’s top-selling artist, was ready to seek independent PR services, he turned to her. McFarland is a firm believer in taking a strategic approach and passing on wisdom. Her advice for women is: “Exhaustion is not something to be proud of. Rest and trust that by treating others with kindness and respect, there will always be room for you as well.

Jackie Nalpant

Nalpant serves as the Executive Vice President at Wasserman Music, focusing on exceptional musicians: Her clientele, which includes Grammy’s Best New Artist Chappell Roan, Cigarettes After Sex, Tash Sultana, Sylvan Esso, Goth Babe, Dr. Dog, Vulfpeck, and many others, reflects her deep-rooted enthusiasm for distinct musicians. Nalpant kickstarted her career right after high school with jobs at Island Records and various New York venues. She transitioned into agency work at the iconic Monterey Peninsula Artists, a position she held even through the company’s 2004 acquisition by Paradigm. The music division of Paradigm was later acquired by Wasserman in 2021 to form Wasserman Music, where Nalpant now leads the Nashville office alongside Jonathan Levine. As she puts it, “The most significant aspect in an artist’s growth is forging a genuine and impactful bond with their fans, and nothing does that better than the impact of live performances.” A single remarkable show can dramatically alter an artist’s career path forever.

Jackie Tigue

iHeart Country’s Artist Management and National Programming Team
In 2024, Tigue managed a diverse array of responsibilities for iHeartCountry, which comprises 150 radio stations nationwide, as well as the nationally syndicated Bobby Bones Show and Top 30 Countdown. This role involved coordinating multiple artists’ schedules, leading to 34 world premieres, two “On the Verge” activations, and three album release parties across the platform.

These exclusive 24-hour premieres showcased renowned artists such as Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Luke Combs, and Brooks & Dunn, while album release parties featured Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, and Lainey Wilson. Tigue also co-produced the perennially sold-out iHeartCountry Festival in Austin, Texas, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024.

Additionally, Tigue produces iHeartCountry’s massive CMA Fest Takeover on Nashville’s famous Lower Broadway, organizing multiple packed shows. Last year’s popular sets showcased rising stars like Shaboozey, Tucker Wetmore, and Riley Green.

Sarah Trahern

As a seasoned professional with three decades under her belt, Trahern leads the Country Music Association, a community of over 7,000 members. Her vision encompasses not just expanding the influence of country music, but also fostering a nurturing environment for artists, innovators, and professionals within the genre. During her tenure, the CMA established the Women’s Leadership Academy, now in its fourth year, which offers mentorship and career development opportunities for future female leaders. Additionally, the organization has allocated $600,000 towards mental health resources for music industry professionals. Trahern is also responsible for organizing the hugely popular CMA Fest, a four-night extravaganza of music performances at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium and various downtown venues. “The music industry thrives on relationships, perseverance, and enthusiasm,” she notes. “There will be setbacks, but the crucial thing is to keep pressing forward.

Heather Vassar

Vassar, the Operations Vice President at Empire, spearheaded
Opening the Nashville branch of a renowned music label recognized for hip-hop (even before the pandemic) was no trivial endeavor, and Vassar was well aware of this. “I informed Ghazi Shami that I required five years to make it profitable,” she reminisces. “We accomplished it in four and a half.” This significant achievement can be largely attributed to Shaboozey, whose “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” stands as the biggest country chart hit of the 2020s. A gifted artist and songwriter, Vassar initially moved to Music City with aspirations of becoming an artist herself, working at her family’s accounting firm to cover expenses. However, she soon discovered a unique talent in digital marketing for Universal Music Nashville, where she developed groundbreaking campaigns for artists ranging from George Strait to Kacey Musgraves. She brought all these abilities to Empire Nashville, where she manages A&R marketing, promotion, and staff, with a roster that also includes CeCe, Niko Moon, Sophia Scott, Don Louis, Jordy and Randy Houser. “I’m a storyteller at heart,” she says, “so I enjoy working with creatives to help bring their vision to reality.

Jessi Vaughn Stevenson

Vaughn Stevenson, with her early start in music publishing, started working with songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall even while studying at Belmont University. She later managed their careers. When an opportunity at Warner Chappell Music Nashville came up, she found her perfect fit, aiding the progression of artists such as Parker McCollum, who has achieved four consecutive country No.1s, Riley Green with his fourth chart-topper duet “You Look Like You Love Me” featuring Ella Langley, and last year added superstar Morgan Wallen to her roster along with rising singer-songwriters Ashley Ray and Schmitty. Stevenson’s passion for her work lies in having access to fantastic songs and advocating for them, as she finds nothing more rewarding than pitching a song for an artist and having it recorded.

Anna Weisband

As a member of a musically inclined family, Weisband was drawn to the creative side of the industry, following her sister Emily’s footsteps in songwriting to Belmont University. Starting as an intern at THiS Music, she swiftly climbed the ranks and became VP at the Rusty Gaston-led Warner Chappell joint venture by the age of 23. Upon THiS’s acquisition by Sony Music Publishing, Weisband joined their team. At Sony Music Publishing Nashville, she identifies and signs new talent, and manages a diverse roster that includes Kelsea Ballerini, Hillary Lindsey, Lainey Wilson, Jordan Minton, Miranda Lambert, and her sister Emily Weisband. “Overall,” she shares, “I feel empowered as a woman in the music business. It’s crucial to highlight the vital roles we play that can sometimes be overlooked.

Sally Williams

The role held by Williams is that of the President of Live Nation’s Music & Business Strategy in Nashville. After spending almost two decades with Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry, she joined Live Nation in 2019. Last year, her team was responsible for promoting over 700 shows in Nashville alone, and they manage key city venues such as Ascend Amphitheater, FirstBank Amphitheater, and Municipal Auditorium. Williams chairs the Membership Committee of the Country Music Association, where she advocates for artists, creatives, and executives shaping the genre. She also heads the association’s television committee, collaborating with executive producer Robert Deaton on productions like the CMA Awards, CMA Music Fest, and CMA Country Christmas broadcasts. Additionally, Williams spearheads Live Nation Nashville’s charitable efforts, serves on the executive committee of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, and co-manages three-time Grammy winners Old Crow Medicine Show.

Emily Fletcher Wright

Under the umbrella of UTA, the diverse roster of artists that Wright manages showcases her adaptability: From the up-and-coming country sensation Megan Moroney to Latin heavyweights such as Rauw Alejandro and Carin León, rapper-singer Saweetie, alternative artist Arlo Parks and others, her list is extensive. With a career that spans over many years at CAA, where she climbed the ranks from assistant to agent, and more recently UTA since 2021, notable partnership deals include Moroney’s collaborations with Alani Nu (the brand’s inaugural partnership in the country music sector) and Lane Boots, as well as Leon’s alliance with Boot Barn. “The similarities between country and Mexicana music styles are striking,” she notes, “but I take pride in bridging those connections.

2025-04-29 19:51