THE COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION STRENGTHENS OPERATIONS
WITH KEY PROMOTIONS AND NEW HIRES
The Country Music Association has announced a series of key promotions and new hires, further strengthening the essential functions of multiple teams.
Ben Balch has been promoted to Vice President, Accounting and Finance, advancing from his previous role as Senior Director, Accounting and Financial Planning. With more than a decade at CMA, Balch plays a crucial role in guiding the organization’s financial strategy, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning. He collaborates closely with senior leadership to optimize business and financial planning and ensure the seamless execution of accounting operations. Before joining CMA in 2013 as a Senior Accountant, Balch served as a Staff Accountant at Tractor Supply Company. Balch reports directly to CMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Trahern.
Aaron Hartley has been elevated to Senior Director, Business Affairs, recognizing his extensive contributions to CMA over the past 25 years. A driving force in CMA’s legal and business operations, Hartley is responsible for structuring and negotiating key agreements across the organization, including vendor contracts, publisher agreements, and artist talent negotiations. He also oversees rights analysis, contract management, international licensing, and trademark coordination. His leadership ensures compliance with union regulations for CMA’s festival and television productions. Hartley continues to report to Todd Hartley, CMA’s Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs.
April Edman joins CMA as Director, Accounting and Finance. In this role, Edman will oversee financial reporting accuracy, daily operations, budgeting, and tax filings, while also supporting audits and financial strategy. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as Senior Director, Finance at Sarah Cannon Research Institute, where she played a key role in shaping financial strategies and optimizing investments. Edman will be a vital resource in streamlining CMA’s accounting and financial systems. Edman reports to Balch.
Jason Rost joins CMA as Director, Ticketing and Premium Experiences. Rost will oversee ticketing strategy, pricing, operations and premium offerings for all CMA events, driving revenue growth and enhancing fan, partner and VIP experiences. He joins CMA from his previous role as Assistant Athletic Director, Ticket Initiatives & Customer Relations at Penn State University where he oversaw ticketing and revenue generation for PSU Athletics by managing ticket sales, operations and service teams while leading third-party partnerships, digital marketing initiatives and premium hospitality programs to drive record-setting attendance and growth. Prior to Penn State, Rost previously worked for Ohio State Athletics and the Indiana Pacers in various ticketing roles. Rost reports to Michael Farris, CMA’s Senior Director, Business Strategy and Insights.
Additional CMA promotions and new hires include:
- Kevin Coffey has been promoted to Director, Brand Partnerships Development, having previously served as Associate Director, Brand Partnerships Development. Coffey reports to Emily Evans, Vice President, Business Strategy and Operations.
- Meredith Goucher has been promoted to Director, International Relations and Development, having previously served as Senior Manager, International Relations and Development. Goucher reports to Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy.
- Isabel Baldinger has been promoted to Marketing Manager, having previously served as Marketing Project Manager. Baldinger reports to Catherine Frizzell, Vice President, Marketing.
- Anthony Sinnott has been hired as CRM Manager, having previously held the position of CRM Analyst with the Arizona Cardinals. Sinnott reports to Reuben Schwartz, Senior Manager, Business Intelligence.
- Cailey Parker has been hired full-time as Finance Operations Specialist, having previously served CMA’s finance team in a part-time capacity. Parker reports to Balch, Vice President, Accounting and Finance.
- Emilie Dufresne has been hired as Junior Graphic Designer, having previously held the position of Creative Manager with AVE EAST MKTG. Dufresne reports to Jeff Leet, Senior Graphic Designer.
- Kylyn Healy has been hired as Production Coordinator, having recently graduated from Belmont University with a degree in music business and live event management. Healy reports to Ryan Nelson, Senior Director, Event Operations.
- Jordan Maynard has been hired as Marketing Coordinator, having previously served CMA’s communications team in a part-time capacity. Maynard reports to Catherine Frizzell, Vice President, Marketing.
About the Country Music Association
Founded in 1958, CMA is the premier trade association of the Country Music industry. Representing professionals making a living in Country Music globally, the organization serves as a critical resource of support and information, honors excellence in the genre and provides a forum for industry leadership. CMA is dedicated to expanding Country Music around the world through a number of core programs and initiatives including the organization’s three annual television properties—the CMA Awards, “CMA Fest” and “CMA Country Christmas,” all of which air on ABC. The organization’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, works tirelessly to provide equitable access to music education in order to create impactful change for students and teachers across the United States.
