Jennie Smythe, CEO, Appointed to CMA Foundation Board of Directors

December 6, 2016

The Country Music Association announced today the new Board of Directors for the CMA Foundation. The appointments are effective on Jan. 1, 2017.

Joe Galante, Chairman of Galante Entertainment Organization, will serve as Chairman and Lon Helton, CEO of Country Aircheck, will serve as Vice Chairman for the 2017 CMA Foundation Board.

The remaining members of the 2017 CMA Foundation Board include:
Kix Brooks
Frank Bumstead, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.
Karen Fairchild, Little Big Town
Blair Garner, Cumulus Media
Ed Hardy, Hardy Media and Entertainment Group
John Huie, Creative Artists Agency
Ron Samuels, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Victoria Shaw, AvaRu Productions
Jennie Smythe, Girlilla Marketing
Sally Williams, Ryman Auditorium
Kitty Moon Emery, Foundation Emeritus

Studies indicate students who participate in music and the arts are more likely to graduate, have better attendance rates, and earn higher GPAs than those not enrolled in music programs. The CMA Foundation recognizes the benefits of music education in keeping kids engaged and the importance of supporting local music educators.

CMA created the nonprofit 501(c)(3) CMA Foundation in 2011. Guided by the generosity of the Country Music community, the CMA Foundation focuses on improving and sustaining music education programs everywhere while supporting worthwhile causes important to the Country Music Association.

Since its inception, the CMA Foundation has given more than $17.5 million to organizations enhancing the lives of students through the power of music. Music Education has proven to be an effective and invaluable tool by influencing student’s academic achievement, social development and increased participation in activities. Music education matters.

Without the support of the Country Music community these efforts would not be possible.

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