Group Will Focus on Strengthening The State’s Music Ecosystem and Supporting Industry Professionals
(UCBJ) – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and the Tennessee Entertainment Commission announced Sept. 17 the creation of the Tennessee Music Advisory Council (TMAC).
The council’s mission is to build and sustain a community-led music advocacy organization that supports music professionals through economic opportunity, professional development, stronger networks and accessible spaces while amplifying the region’s unique musical heritage through stakeholder input, partnerships and tourism initiatives.
“Tennessee is known for the rich culture and artistic heritage woven throughout our history,” said Gov. Lee. “This council will help us further embrace innovation while also reflecting on our strong tradition, and I’m proud to take part in today’s announcement.”
Community leaders across seven primary regions have been selected for the council and will have completed or are in the process of completing a comprehensive Music Ecosystem Feasibility Study.
Appointees are as follows:
- Chairman: Ben Silverman – Director, Cooley Public Strategies
- Casey Fox – Director of Impact & Development, Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville
- Ron Roach – Chair and Professor of Appalachian Studies, East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
- Ryan French – Executive Director & CEO, South Central Tennessee Tourism Association
- Stephanie Riley – Founder, B3 Creative Agency
- Dr. Stephen Marshall – Professor of Media and Communication, ETSU and CMO of the ETSU Research Corporation
- Elizabeth Cawein – Founder & Executive Director, Music Export Memphis
- Demarcus Suggs – Director of Creative & Cultural Economy, City of Memphis
- Jamie Kent – Founder, Backstage Strategies & The BAM Group
- Monica Kinsey – Deputy Administrator, Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (ACCE), City of Chattanooga
- Kessler Cuffman – Executive Director, Dynamo Studios
- Austin McCarley – Director of Operations and Employee Engagement, Visit Knoxville
“Tennessee’s music and entertainment industry is among the state’s most robust and well-established sectors,” said Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter. “The creation of the TMAC gives Tennessee another important tool to evaluate, strengthen and advance this critical ecosystem. Our department is proud to support TMAC and stands ready to partner with its members every step of the way.”
In addition to participating in the management and implementation of a regional music ecosystem study, each council member candidate has pledged to serve on at least one or more designated work groups prescribed by the council to achieve its strategic goals and priorities.
“Tennessee’s music and entertainment industry is booming,” said TEC Executive Director Bob Raines. “As we continue to map out the next steps in the cultivation of this ecosystem, the TMAC represents some of the best and brightest minds we have across this state, and we look forward to supporting them every step of the way.”
To learn more about previous music studies across Tennessee, visit https://www.tnentertainment.com/music/music-ecosystem-studies/.
Image by pvproductions on Magnific.
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