From an early age, Tamar Rand knew she had a unique connection to music.  As a result of that early bond with music, she would set out on a path that would lead to a dynamic career in the music industry spanning 20 years. She would experience a bevy of professional success and find herself becoming a part of groundbreaking history-making occurrences. Rand has been a part of projects that have obtained multiple GRAMMY, Stellar, and Dove award nominations and wins. Rand was a part of the team that was responsible for the success of the longest-running radio single of any format, “Never Would Have Made It,” by world-renowned Gospel artist Marvin Sapp. Rand has established herself as an industry power player by being a part of and at the helm of historical moments in musical history for Gospel’s top-tier artists. Rand’s leadership at RCA Inspiration’s (RCAI) Promotions division has led to twenty No. 1 Billboard & Mediabase Gospel Airplay charting singles. These are just a few of the key accomplishments that distinguish Tamar Rand as a noted music industry executive to esteem. Rand is currently the Vice President of Promotion & Strategy at RCA Inspiration, a division of Sony Music. As a wife and mother, she balances many roles and serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring young women moguls.

The journey to her current standing as a record industry executive and business is full of destiny moments and unexpected turns that serve as a compass for success in the music industry. The music sector of the entertainment industry can be perceived as a volatile climate for longevity, nonetheless, Rand has successfully navigated and sustained her footing. It all began when Tamar was a little girl listening to music permeating the walls of her home. She developed an affinity for music early on. Rand was afforded the opportunity to play an instrument and study music composition in her formative years. The presence of a great mentor and teacher who instilled the importance of integrity in presentation contributed to Rand’s burgeoning interest in music. As she began to research and understand the music world, she quickly discovered that she wanted to be involved in the business side of the music industry. She kept moving towards music and chose to attend Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) for undergraduate studies. Although she received a musicianship scholarship, which focused on performance, she remained drawn to the business side of the industry. Rand used undergraduate and graduate studies to develop her skills in music business and overall business acumen. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Recording Industry Management and a Masters in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University.  Rand was ready to make her mark, with education, experience, and passion in tow.

In 2003 Tamar formally began her career in the music industry at Verity Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. She began in the radio promotions department of the Gospel division and became a part of an award-winning, hit and history-making team. Rand has worked with over 40 recording artists and groups during her career and was an integral part of a team of executives that created the Gospel airplay chart monitored by Nielsen. This was a historical feat because up until the creation of the Gospel airplay chart, there were no measures in place to monitor the statistical success of radio singles for the format. Rand has worked with some of Gospel and R&B music’s best and brightest including: Marvin Sapp, Dave Hollister, Kirk Franklin, Ben Tankard, Hezekiah Walker, Fred Hammond, Travis Greene, Le’Andria Johnson, The Walls Group, Dorinda Clark Cole, Erica Campbell, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, Andrae Crouch, and Donald Lawrence. Rand was a key member of the team that made Marvin Sapp’s 2008 hit single “Never Would Have Made It” the longest-running No. 1 radio single of any format, hailing at 46 weeks on the chart. It was also named the “Best Song of 2008” by the Associated Press. Rand also enjoyed a stint as Marketing Project Manager for New Direction Church, where she oversaw the creation and execution of their brand promise via: internet radio promotion, app creation, managing online sales, promotional tours, and developing collegiate scholarship programs for aspiring college students. Rand moved on to the role of Senior Director of Promotions at Entertainment One, where she remained for 6 years.  During her tenure at Entertainment One, she continued to shine. Rand experienced many successes and was integral in the development of powerhouse Gospel artists Jonathan McReynolds & Todd Dulaney. Under Rand’s leadership of the Light Records division of Entertainment One Nashville, the team enjoyed multiple No. 1 and top-charting singles. One of her most noted accomplishments while at Entertainment One was maintaining the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Radio Airplay chart for 30 consecutive weeks for the 2014 hit single “Amazing “ by Gospel artist Ricky Dillard & New G. Rand has a proven track record of success, staying power, and tenacity. It has all paid off as she continues to impact the culture through her hard work and dedication.  In 2016 Rand advanced professionally and moved into the role of Vice President of Promotion & Strategy at RCA Inspiration, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. Rand oversees promotions and strategy for the entire roster of artists. She is an ambassador for the music she promotes; collaborating with various divisions of the label to contribute to the achievements of the roster. As Vice President, she sets the tone and vision for her team, which underscores and bolsters the vision of RCAI. Rand evaluates, develops, creates, and produces daily and has no plans of letting up on her track record of success. Rand navigates projects with veteran and fresh new artists including Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence, Fred Hammond, Travis Greene, The Walls Group, Koryn Hawthorne, William Murphy, Le’Andria Johnson, Tasha Page-Lockhart, and Jason Nelson.

Tamar Rand has been able to maintain a thriving career and prides herself on her commitment to integrity. Rand is a board member of Progress, Inc. an agency that supports seniors and young people dealing with disabilities, she also serves as a member of the Gospel Music Association’s Award Screening Committee and a NARAS member. Rand strives to produce results that serve as a beacon of excellence. Rand has invested countless hours in helping new artists flourish and reach their full potential. Rand was savvy enough to identify her passion early on and continues to build her personal and professional brand. Rand has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the promotions arena. As she is accessing her full potential she is pushing and inspiring others to do the same.

A graduate of Millikin University’s School of Music, Brittni earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Business in 2009 before relocating to Nashville, TN. Her career began with several years in public relations where she assisted with campaign efforts for artists and organizations including Hank Williams Jr., Dolly Parton, Wynonna, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, George Jones, Charlie Daniels, Jamey Johnson, Christmas 4 Kids, Country Thunder Music Festivals and more.

Following her time in PR, she continued to work directly for Country Thunder Music Festivals, joining the team as Project Manager and then ultimately assuming the role of Creative Director, handling digital marketing and advertising, brand management, event logistics, sponsor and media relations and on-site vendor contracting and management.

For the past five years, Brittni has worked with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association dedicated to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting. As NSAI’s Director of Creative & Communications, her responsibilities include overseeing all marketing and publicity efforts, as well as brand management and operational assistance for the company and several of their annual events including the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and the Nashville Songwriter Awards.

Working with some of the largest pop, rock, EDM, and country acts in the world, in her 12 years at FBMM Erica has solidified her role as a trusted royalty expert within FBMM and the entertainment industry. As FBMM's Vice President of Royalties and Contract Compliance, she leads the group in providing services such as profit participation audits, record and publishing royalty audits, merchandising audits, and record label administration services. She plays a pivotal role in intellectual property valuations and catalog sales and works closely with FBMM’s business managers, client attorneys, and managers to strategize ways to improve royalty deal structures and contracts.

Mary Lauren Teague is Assistant Professor of Music Business at the Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont University. She is also the Owner of Dotted i Entertainment, LLC, where she advises and counsels Nashville creatives, and a contract attorney for Loeb & Loeb LLP.  As a music lawyer and advisor, she brings her experiences of representing recording artists, legacy artists, songwriters, publishing companies, producers, and other entertainment and media companies to the classroom to provide a unique, immersive learning experience for her students.  

She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration (majoring in Music Business) from Belmont University and received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Actively involved in the Nashville music community, Mary Lauren serves on the Board and as Membership Co-Chair of SOURCE. 

Mary Lauren has been honored by the Nashville Business Journal as one of Nashville’s “Top 40 Under 40” and a recipient of the “Women in Music City” award.  She was named to the “Up Next” list of emerging leaders in entertainment law in Variety’s “Legal Impact Report” and as a “Rising Star in Entertainment & Sports” by Mid-South Super Lawyers.  Additionally, she was a Nashville Emerging Leader Award finalist, selected for the GRAMMY Next Class by the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy, and selected for MusicRow’s “Next Big Thing” music industry directory. In her free time, Mary Lauren loves to travel and spend time outdoors with her husband, Daniel, and daughters, Mary Fran and Birdie.

Michelle Goble, a native of Gastonia, North Carolina, discovered her passion for music through the soulful harmonies of Southern gospel. Though she lacked musical talent herself, her deep love for the art form inspired her journey to Nashville at just 17. Starting as a nanny for Southern gospel icons The Freemans, she quickly transitioned into artist management, launching her storied career by working with the legendary Tammy Wynette in 1991.
 

Over an impressive 33-year career, Goble has carved a remarkable path in the music industry, holding pivotal roles across artist management, media relations, and organizational leadership. Her 13-year tenure at ASCAP as Director of Media Relations was a defining chapter. She managed Nashville’s marketing and publicity budget, nurtured emerging songwriters, and fostered key industry relationships. She was instrumental in producing high-profile events such as No. 1 parties and the red carpets for the ASCAP Country and Christian Music Awards, further solidifying her reputation as a creative force behind the scenes.
 

In 2007, Goble relocated to Los Angeles to serve as Senior Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations for the Academy of Country Music. During her six-year tenure, she spearheaded membership growth, modernized the ACM Awards voting process by transitioning it online, and strengthened connections between the Academy and its members. Goble served as staff liaison to the ACM Board of Directors, guiding key committees such as the Awards Voting Committee. Under her leadership, the Songwriter of the Year Award was reinstated in 2011 after being presented only once before in 1965.
Goble also played a key role in elevating the ACM’s public presence through groundbreaking initiatives, including the first-ever ACM Fan Jam during the 46th Annual ACM Awards, ACM Weekend on Fremont Street, and the ACM Stage at the National Finals Rodeo. One of her most transformative achievements was reimagining the ACM Honors awards show. Her leadership turned the event from a private board gathering into a celebrated public production at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. This move amplified recognition for non-televised award recipients, drawing fans and industry professionals alike to honor the often-overlooked contributors to country music.
Returning to artist management in 2013, Goble joined Gellman Management, where she coordinated television productions for celebrated artists like Jennifer Nettles, Patty Smyth, and Brandy Clark. She also managed Americana legend Jim Lauderdale and fostered emerging talent such as Cross Atlantic. In 2018, she returned to Nashville full-time to establish her own management company, ESQ Artist Management, dedicated to nurturing new talent.
 

Her philanthropic efforts include serving as a former board member for Women Rock for the Cure and coordinating the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament for 13 years. In recognition of her efforts, Goble was honored with the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament Directors Award in 2006.
 

Today, Michelle Goble stands as a respected figure in the music business, blending strategic vision with a deep commitment to fostering innovation and connection across the industry.

Stephanie Orr is a trailblazer in the music industry, with over 30 years of experience helping entertainers build and maintain their online presence. A graduate of the esteemed Recording Industry Management (RIM) program at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Stephanie began her career with invaluable roles at Arista Records, a leading music law firm, a management company, and Pride Music Publishing, owned by the legendary Charley Pride. She also served as a producer assistant for Byron Gallimore, who produced iconic artists like Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, and Jessica Andrews.

In the 1990s, Stephanie worked at Music City News, a leading country music magazine, and Don Fowler Agency, an independent but well-renowned booking agent, gaining further insight into the industry. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with over 20 platinum recording artists, honing her expertise in understanding the evolving needs of entertainers.

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In 1994, Stephanie co-founded CountryWired Inc., one of the first web design and marketing companies dedicated to entertainers. Over three decades, the company has become a one-stop shop for web design, mobile app development, social media management, marketing, advertising, and consulting, serving an elite roster of clients, including Trace Adkins, Jo Dee Messina, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Gary Allan.

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A proud member of SOURCE, an organization that celebrates and supports women in the music industry, Stephanie was honored to join its Board of Directors, one of her most meaningful achievements in 2025. Her diverse experience has shaped CountryWired’s ability to provide tailored solutions, ensuring artists remain competitive in today’s vast and dynamic landscape.

Annie Reuter is the Senior Manager of Institutional Giving at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where she spearheads grant research from local, regional, state, and federal government sources as well as private foundations to support the Museum's collections, exhibitions, education and exhibit-related programming, and general operations. A former managing editor of American Songwriter, Annie continues to freelance for the bi-monthly magazine and other music publications including CMA Up Close and GRAMMY.com. Previously, she served as a country music contributor at Forbes and Billboard. Her byline has appeared in Country Weekly, CMT, Marie Claire, MTV, and Rolling Stone. 

For more than 15 years, Annie has covered the country music scene in New York and Nashville where she's interviewed the biggest names in the genre including everyone from Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Willie Nelson to Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Luke Bryan. Over the past decade, she's traveled to Mexico, California, and Nevada to report on country festivals, awards shows, and tour kick-offs. She has written cover stories on Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and Toby Keith. She is also the founder of You Sing I Write, a music blog focused on an array of music that launched in 2007. When she's not writing, you can find her at a writers' round in Nashville or planning her next trip. 
 

Sarah Skates is a freelance writer and editor who celebrated 20 years in the Nashville music business in 2024. She has contributed to Country Aircheck, Girlilla Marketing, Franklin Lifestyle, The Change Agent•cy / CMT, Opry.com, Grammy.com and many more. Skates began her career at MusicRow magazine where she spent more than a decade, ending as Sr. News Editor before transitioning to a freelance role. She is also a visual artist available for commission.

Born and raised in small-town Pennsylvania, Ashley Hertzog Embry always had her sights set on Tennessee. At thirteen, she wrote her parents a letter declaring that she would one day move to Nashville to work with songwriters. In 2001, she moved to her favorite city to attend Belmont University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude 4 years later.

Ashley’s internship from her final semester of college turned into her first full-time job in the industry, managing Combustion Music’s rapidly growing catalog. After more than five years with Combustion, she spent a year at My Good Girl Music before joining Hearts Bluff Music in 2013.

Over the past decade, she has risen from Executive Assistant to Vice President of Acquisitions, leading the Hearts Bluff team, project managing their deal flow, and facilitating over $100 million in catalog sales.

Ashley is an active member of SOURCE, CMA, and the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Troubadour. Outside of the music industry, she has written a memoir called Letters to My Papa, about the loss of her father, and created a deck of conversation cards called Turning Toward, designed to foster meaningful connections. Ashley’s three loves of her life are her husband Mason, her daughter Noella, and their dog Oliver.

Amanda Mitchell, a graduate of Belmont University, is originally from Troutdale, VA. She previously interned for Universal Music Group and the Country Music Association. Upon graduating, she worked for the Grand Ole Opry and then moved closer to home for an event management position with the Roanoke Civic Center in Roanoke, VA. Her love for Nashville brought her back where she accepted a position with the business management firm, Wiatr & Associates. In 2015, she had the opportunity to join business management firm, Farris, Self, & Moore, where she currently serves as an Associate Business Manager. She is a member of SOURCE, ACM, CMA, CMHOF Troubadour Society, and the inaugural CMA Women’s Leadership Academy. Her greatest gift in life is her daughter, Madelyn Mitchell. 

Sarah Flick has spent the last 14 years working as a creative executive in music publishing. Her most recent industry experience was at Reach Music Publishing as the Director of Creative based in Nashville. In this role, she handled A&R and creative sync duties working closely with Reach's newest singer-songwriter and artist signings. Reach's roster includes Public Enemy, John Mayer, Lisa Loeb, Fitz and The Tantrums, Glenn Tipton of Judas Priest, Zac Brown, and Ray LaMontagne. During her time at Reach, she secured sync placements across media such as in The Instigators (Apple TV) , The Life of Chuck movie (upcoming 2025), NCIS, Rockband, NCIS Vegas, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, and Lakita Video Project.

Prior to Reach Music, she founded Following Sarah Music. FSM was a Nashville-based independent publishing consultant and songwriter/producer management company. Her clients included Reach Music Publishing, THiS Music, Ten Ten Music, and LBK Entertainment. FSM had multiple film/television placements on networks such as HBO, MTV, CBS, Freeform, and Netflix as well as cuts with major label and independent artists. Her publishing career journey has also included time at Writer’s Den Music Group where she managed the roster of writers and catalog including Don Schlitz, Thom Schuyler, Robert Earl Keen, Adam Wright, Drew Kennedy, and Melissa Fuller. Before Writer's Den Sarah ran day-to-day publishing and production operations for Nashville Hall of Fame Songwriter Victoria Shaw & Songalicious Music. Other industry experience includes time with Ben Glover Productions, CAM Creative, and Traveller's Hollow Music.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Sarah graduated from the University of New Haven in 2009 with her BA in Music Industry. She co-founded the all-female song plugger group, “Crazy Pitches.” She is a member of CMA (Country Music Association), AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers), SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development), The Recording Academy, WMBA Alumni (Women's Music Business Association), SOURCE (Social Committee co-chair), Friends of the Guild of Music Supervisors and is a Nashville MusiCares Ambassador.