Shank is responsible for managing the CMA Awards Red Carpet and media production logistics while also serving as the central point-of-contact between artists and CMA for events and industry initiatives
Tell us about your journey to becoming Senior Manager of Production and Talent Relations at CMA.
I started my career at Ryan Seacrest Productions where I wrote blogs and articles on RyanSeacrest.com, before I joined the Communications team full-time at dick clark productions (dcp) in Santa Monica, CA in 2014. Funny story about how I found that role: I figured out what the email format was for employees at dcp and emailed every executive listed on their website with my resume and cover letter. My resume was sent to the head of the Communications team, and I was brought in for an interview and landed the job. I started out in a temp-to-hire role before I worked my way up to Manager, Communications and Talent Relations. While at dcp, I realized I wanted to work in Country Music, so I began looking for ways to get to Nashville. I eventually moved in 2017 and worked at an agency before joining the Communications team at CMA in 2019. In this role, I took on more responsibilities as I familiarized myself with the Country Music landscape and the company itself, soon becoming a centralized point of contact between artist and talent teams for CMA’s events and initiatives. The relationships I have built in my role have allowed me to ensure both CMA and talent needs and expectations align by assuming responsibility as a key liaison. I’ve been able to create an environment where creativity and opportunity can thrive – always looking for ways to switch things up and try something new.
What do you enjoy most about your role at CMA?
I love that I work closely with all teams at CMA and get to play a part in so many different projects that make our organization who we are. I am responsible for a large portion of the execution of the CMA Awards Red Carpet, and because of that, the CMA Awards is my favorite time of year. Being able to see the Red Carpet grow from the ideation phase to fully built out is always a surreal moment for me. The team and I put so much time and brain power behind it, and it’s such a staple of our event, so seeing it come to life is always a high point throughout the year.
What are some ways you support CMA’s mission within your role?
In my role, I act as the main point of contact and liaison for artist teams to connect with CMA. From Live @ CMA performances to the CMA Red Carpet, I am the person to answer any questions artist teams may have about involvement in CMA events and initiatives. As a trade association, one of CMA’s key tenets is ensuring that Country Music is thriving all over the world. One of the ways my role supports that mission is by engaging with and helping support artists and artist teams at every level, from emerging talent to the genre’s legends. Through my production responsibilities, I assist in the execution of our three TV properties, “CMA Fest,” the CMA Awards and “CMA Country Christmas.” This allows me to connect with members across a variety of sectors of our business to encourage CMA Membership, involvement in CMA initiatives and the utilization of the many resources CMA provides to Members.
What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had in your time at CMA?
It’s hard to pinpoint one specific moment, but I think year-after-year CMA Fest is my most memorable event and week. Every single person at CMA puts their blood, sweat and tears into CMA Fest and it truly takes the whole staff, and thousands of freelancers, working together to pull off this event. A few years ago, I joined a newly formed Programming Team at CMA that helps manage and execute certain events at CMA Fest. I was able to dip my toe into different aspects of the festival, from helping book the Ascend Amphitheater nightly shows and Fitness at Fest to working with partners to book the CMA Close Up Stage. I start each day of CMA Fest at 5:00 AM, and get back to my hotel at 1:00 AM, ready to repeat the same thing the next day. We are all sleep-deprived and delirious, but truly my favorite memories with artists, CMA staff and on-site temps happen during the four days of CMA Fest.
What do you like about Country Music – as a genre, an industry, or both?
I love that Country Music is all about storytelling. It is also so special that everyone in the industry wants to support each other; they see a win for one as a win for all. The amount of collaboration I’ve seen and experienced within Nashville and the Country Music community is something I’ve never experienced in my previous roles.
What advice would you give to someone first entering this industry?
While I am a walking testament to the fact that you can find a job with no prior connections, I will say that this industry truly is all about networking and taking any opportunities that come your way. If you are a hard worker, are willing to go above and beyond, and don’t ever feel like any task is beneath you, people will take notice and remember you when there are job opportunities available. When I work with someone who blows me away, I do everything in my power to help them get their footing within the industry. In my mind, the more people there are in the Country Music industry that are hardworking and passionate about what they do, the stronger we become as a whole.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your free time?
Most of the time I’m playing with my dog Haley, taking her on walks or tossing the ball at the park. I bought a house two years ago so you can also find me doing yard work, home projects or pressure washing my porch (which I strangely love and did the morning after CMA Fest wrapped). But one of my favorite hobbies is traveling all over Tennessee, and even to neighboring states, to find the best antique stores and thrifting home decor for my house.
