WMBA Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Empowering Women in the Music Industry
2024 WMBA Board of Officers
pictured L to R – Top Row: Aura Guadagno, Mackenzie Adkins, Taylor Baird
Bottom Row: Michelle Barnett Wichern, Megan Astri, Beka Bishop, and Jessica Hamorsky
(Nashville, Tennessee – February 5, 2024) The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) proudly announces its 2024 Board of Officer Chairs, Board of Directors, and the Class of 2024 Members, marking a continued commitment to empowering women in the music industry.
2024 Board of Officers Officers:
Serving as President is Aura Guadagno from Outback Presents. The role of Vice President will be filled by Mackenzie Adkins of Rhonda & Company. Handling the finances as Treasurer is Taylor Baird from KBLM, LLC., while Michelle Barnett Wichern from The Kinkead Entertainment Agency takes on the role of Secretary. Overseeing Events & Education is Chair Megan Astri Raham from the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Beka Bishop of Fantom Presents will be the Marketing Chair, and managing membership duties as the Membership Chair is Jessica Hamorsky from Degy Entertainment.
2024 Board of Directors and Advisors:
The leadership of WMBA’s Board of Directors for 2024 will be Chairwoman Amery Fridenstine (Above Board Consulting), Sheree Spoltore (Global Songwriters Connection), Jensen Sussman (Sweet Talk Publicity), and Christy Walker-Watkins (AristoPR) at the helm. In an advisory capacity, Brandi Simms (MooTV, Moo Creative & The Steel Mill) will continue her role as Board of Directors Emeritus, and Lauren Spahn (Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley, & Norton LLP) will maintain her position as Legal Counsel.
WMBA New Member Class of 2024:
WMBA welcomes a new class of members for the year 2024, showcasing a diverse and talented group from the music industry. The class includes Lucki Price (Sony Music Publishing), Amber Stoneman (Nashville Unsigned & Minting Music), and Maggie Baugh (Artist). Also joining are Christina Mitchell (Opry Entertainment Group), Allison Cooper (Naxos of America, Inc), and Katie Sundra (Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum). The group further consists of Krista Gilley (Gibson Brands), Kelsey Roche (FBMM), and Lena Stone (Lena Stone Creative). Adding to the list are Kayce Russell (Warner Chappell Music), Bridget Buchholz (Tour Manager), and Emma Lansworth (SESAC). The class is further enriched by Dani Rose (Artist), Remi Heitzman (The Kinkead Entertainment Agency), and Annissa Allen-Gore (Counsel, LLP). Joining them are Jessica Kelley (Outback Presents), Alexis Donn (Artist/Songwriter), Kendyl Ford (Convention Production Rigging & Freelance), and Nikki Denton (24 Entertainment/ Robert Deaton). The group also includes Lois Zozobrado (Parmalee Touring), Lauren Klein (Sony Music Nashville), Kelli Johnson (Vita Music / Kelli Johnson Music), Rachel Mangan (Dirickson Law, PLLC), Kayla Michaud (Kayla Eileen Media), and Stephanie Quayle (Artist, Big Sky Music Group).
2024 also marks WMBA’s 25th anniversary of empowering women in the music industry in Nashville. The organization has been pivotal in developing leadership and discovering talents among its members and alumni.
“As we begin the yearlong celebration of WMBA’s 25th anniversary, I look back to where it began,” shares Amery Fridenstine, WMBA’s Chairwoman of the Board of Directors. “What started as a potluck dinner between friends has become a respected membership organization and a source of education, support, and community for women in the music industry. Many talented and inspiring women have served as members, officers, and board members, helping to grow the organization to what it is today, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of that legacy. I’m excited for what the future holds for WMBA and our amazing members and alumni.”
In 2023, WMBA was privileged to host an exceptional lineup of speakers who generously shared their wisdom and experiences with our members. Among these esteemed speakers were Tatum Allsep (Music Health Alliance), Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), Helena Capps (Wildrose Projects), Lauren Conklin (Mental Health Initiative), Taylor Dempsey (Rividia), Roxy King (Universal Music Publishing Group), Kristin Lee (KLBM), Carrie McDonough (Essential Broadcast Media), Jenna Paulette (Artist), Brandi Simms (MOO TV & MOO Creative), Lauren Spahn (Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP), Jensen Sussman (Sweet Talk Publicity), Lisa Vo (NSAI), Christy Walker-Watkins (Aristo PR), and Emily Witters Craig (Sea Gayle).
A noteworthy event during the year was the “Mindset Matters” mental health workshop and panel, skillfully moderated by Katharine Poole from MRow Network. The panel featured the insights and expertise of Tatum Allsep, Founder and CEO of Music Health Alliance; Lauren Conklin and Jessie Ouverture of the Mental Health Initiative; and Tina Sanders, Host of Letting The Good In podcast.
Additionally, WMBA hosted the “Music Is My Business 2-Part Series,” providing an insider’s perspective on the music industry. This engaging series featured distinguished experts including Kari Barnhart, Kristin Lee, Lauren Spahn in Part 1, and Helena Capps, Emily Witters Craig, Taylor Dempsey, Carrie McDonough, and Jenna Paulette in Part 2.
WMBA is excited to continue its mission of empowering and inspiring women in the music industry in 2024.
For more information about the Women’s Music Business Organization, please visit https://www.wmbanashville.org/.
