New CMA Hirings In Marketing and Projects Departments

Karen Stump

The Country Music Association has announced the hiring of Karen Stump as Senior Director, Market Research; and Vilma Salinas as Senior Manager of Projects.

Stump will lead and manage a broad range of research initiatives to provide consumer information to industry groups. She will report to Tammy Donham, CMA Vice President of Marketing. “CMA has taken a leadership position in the last few years by establishing itself as a repository for consumer information and research,” said Donham. “We are excited to have Karen join us to expand our research services, and we look forward to providing our membership with a wide range of data analysis to aid them in their business endeavors.”

Stump was previously based in New York City as VP of Market Analytics and Strategic Insights for Scripps Networks Interactive working with Food Network, Great American Country, HGTV, Cooking Channel, DIY Network, and Travel Channel. Prior to that, she served eight years as the Director of Marketing and Customer Insights for American Standard Inc. Stump earned bachelor and MBA degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Vilma Salinas

As Senior Manager of Projects Salinas will be responsible for managing and executing aspects of CMA special events and programs as they pertain to ticketing, budgeting, booking, and production logistics. She will report to Chris Crawford, CMA Senior Director of Live Events and Special Projects. “We produce events all year long, ranging in size from our highly-regarded CMA Songwriter Series to our internationally known CMA Music Festival and CMA Awards, and it takes a team of skilled professionals to orchestrate them flawlessly,” said Crawford. “Vilma will make an excellent addition to our team.”

Salinas previously served five years as the Sales and Marketing Manager for Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe, where along with brand management she also handled production and logistics for live and special events. Prior to that, Salinas was the Catering Sales Manager of the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville and served as the Event Manager at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. She graduated from the University of New Orleans.