Wendy Pearl Exits CMA To Launch PR Company

Wendy Pearl

After nearly 17 years, CMA Vice President of Corporate Communications Wendy Pearl has exited her role at CMA to launch her own agency, Wendy Pearl Public Relations, LLC.

“Having started my career in the music industry at an iconic label with a strong individual focus, I find myself really wanting to concentrate on singular careers, brands, and stories,” Pearl said of her decision. “After years of working with networks, syndicators, and journalists across a wide spectrum for the growth of this music I love so much, I now want to help connect individuals and brands with good intentions to great ideas that genuinely reflect their message and products in a way that is organic, honest, and real.”

“Wendy has been a key contributor to CMA’s growth over the past 17 years. During her tenure, Fan Fair became Music Fest downtown, the CMA Awards went to New York, and we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Association and later the Awards,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Her passion will be missed and we wish her the best in her new endeavor. I look forward to working with her in her new capacity.”

Having spent eight years at The Miami Herald, including participating in their Pulitzer-winning coverage of the Gulf War in 1991, and a stint as a reporter in CNN’s Miami Bureau, Pearl became part of Sony Nashville’s Media & Artist Development Department in 1992, where she oversaw campaigns for Dolly Parton/Loretta Lynn/Tammy Wynette (Honky Tonk Angels), Mary Chapin Carpenter, Waylon Jennings, and Patty Loveless. Pearl also served as the head of Media & Artist Development at Asylum Records, working with Mandy Barnett, Guy Clark, The Cox Family, and Emmylou Harris, before taking on the Communications Directorship at TNN (now Spike). Pearl joined the CMA as Director of Communications in April of 2000.

Pearl can be reached at wendy@wendypearlpr.com and at wendypearlpr.com.

The CMA will evaluate the most impactful structure moving forward to take advantage of the current opportunities for the trade organization. Resulting career opportunities will be posted in the coming weeks. In the meantime, CMA Communications inquiries and needs can be directed to Jay Jones.