(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
The Country Music Association has promoted Bobette Dudley to vice president of Events and Program Development and Rick Murray to vice president of Strategic Marketing. Dudley and Murray are the first CMA staff members to hold the title of vice president, which was recently adopted by the CMA Board's Executive Committee.
"To achieve CMA's strategic objectives requires teamwork, leadership, creativity and the determination to always excel," said CMA Executive Director Ed Benson. "Bobette and Rick have consistently demonstrated outstanding capabilities and expertise to get the maximum results for CMA and the industry. For them, going above and beyond is routine and we are thrilled to announce their promotions."
Dudley began her career at CMA in 1986 and most recently served as senior director of Events and Program Development. In her new role, she will continue to supervise and direct the planning and execution of CMA programs, special projects and meeting planning activities.
She is directly involved in the operations and logistics for CMA's high-impact events: CMA Music Festival, which will be held June 9-12 in Downtown Nashville, and the CMA Awards, which will be held in New York City for one year only on November 15. Dudley also supervises the staff of CMA's Events and Special Projects Department and oversees contracted event personnel and vendors.
Dudley is instrumental to the success of CMA's annual core initiatives overseeing event logistics, production, registration, awards ticketing and seating, and working closely with television production, the music industry and CMA's government partners in Nashville and New York City.
She is responsible for the logistical arrangements for CMA's Board of Directors meetings and strategic events held in cities across the country including Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, Atlanta and Chicago. Dudley is also the staff member responsible for the CMA Music Festival Talent Committee, which oversees talent booking and the creative direction for Nashville's signature music event.
"Bobette's vision and commitment to excellence are proven assets to CMA," said CMA Associate Executive Director Tammy Genovese. "All you need to do is look at the overwhelming success of the evolution of CMA Music Festival from Fan Fair at the fairgrounds to what it has become to understand her talent and capabilities."
Murray, who has been at CMA since 1994, is promoted to vice president from senior director of Strategic Marketing. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of CMA's marketing, membership and industry relations, CMA's strategic partnerships, consumer promotions, brand development, domestic and international market development, and sponsor opportunities for CMA, the CMA Music Festival and the CMA Awards.
He works closely with advertising agencies, corporate clients, retailers, cable and network television partners, film studios, associations and government partners to expand the reach of Country Music and CMA's events.
"As CMA has grown, so has our outreach to the marketing, advertising, film and television communities in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and across the country," said Genovese. "And Rick is a proven leader who has been on the front line driving the message that country music and its values resonate with consumers at all levels. He loves the artists and the music and is an incredible asset to CMA."
Murray is currently serving as chairman of the board for the Promotion Marketing Association and serves on the board of directors of the International Entertainment Buyers Association. He is a member of both the Recording and Television Academies and is a graduate of Leadership Music. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
