CMA Promotes One, Hires Two

Keris Patton

The Country Music Association has announced the promotion of Melissa Maynard to Manager of Operations, and the additions of Staff Accountant Keris Patton and Membership and Balloting Assistant Brenden Oliver.

As Staff Accountant, Patton will perform a variety of accounting activities and assist with other Finance and Administration Department functions. She joins CMA from Rochford Realty and Construction Company where she served as Accountant and Property Manager. Patton’s accounting experiences also extends to Tyson Foods, Wright CPA Firm, Desoto Family Medical Center, and Property Assessment Services. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Brenden Oliver

“We are thrilled to have Keris join the Finance and Administration team at CMA and value the skills that she brings,” said CMA Sr. VP of Finance and Administration Amy Smartt. “Her broad work experiences and accounting education will make Keris a real asset to CMA.”

Oliver, a May 2012 Vanderbilt University graduate, will assist the Membership and Balloting Department with membership recruitment, applications, payment processing, and inquiries. He will also assist with CMA Awards, CMA Broadcast Awards, and Country Music Hall of Fame balloting. Oliver interned in that department as well as at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Aldredge Law.

Melissa Maynard

“Responding to the needs of our membership as well as maintaining the integrity of our Awards processes has always been vitally important for CMA,” said CMA Senior Manager of Membership and Balloting Brandi Simms. “With the addition of Brenden, our membership and balloting department is at full strength and we look forward to taking all of the member initiatives to the next level.”

Maynard was hired in 2006 as Administration Assistant. She was promoted to Administration Coordinator in 2009 and then to Operations and Administration Coordinator in 2011. In her new role as Operations Manager, she will primarily be responsible for all aspects of operations including CMA’s building and grounds maintenance as well as security. Maynard also organizes events to recognize and celebrate CMA staff successes

“Melissa demonstrated excellent design and management skills during the oversight of the recent remodeling of CMA’s atrium space,” said Smartt. “She has the keen ability to see what needs to be done and the creative ability to find a way to take care of it efficiently and cost effectively.”