THE CANADIAN COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION® (CCMA®) ANNOUNCES NEWLY ELECTED DIRECTORS AND RE-ELECTED MEMBER TO THE 2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Toronto, ON (October 17, 2023) – The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®) Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from the Canadian music, entertainment, and arts community who are dedicated to the organization’s mission to elevate and celebrate the incredible talent found within Canada. 2023-2024 sees one re-elected and two new members added to the Board following the 2023 Annual General Meeting which took place during Country Music Week 2023 in Hamilton, ON.
Amy Jeninga, President of the CCMA, shares, “We are thrilled to welcome these inspiring and dynamic women to our Board of Directors. Their passion and expertise will undoubtedly be a driving force as we work together to achieve our collective goal of elevating the Canadian country music landscape, both at home and on a global stage. With their addition to this dedicated group of industry veterans, we can to continue to build a strong, vibrant community within our industry and among our members; forging connections, fostering growth, and celebrating the genre a whole.”
Re-elected for a second term for the 2023-2024 CCMA Board of Directors is:
Carmen Choney
With over 25 years of industry experience, Carmen Choney has worn many hats across her illustrious career, including tour, stage, and artist management. As a seasoned events professional, Choney has left her mark on some of North America’s most significant events, including the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver for NBC, and over a span of more than 15 years, she has played a vital role in managing performances at major festivals such as the Big Valley Jamboree and Country Thunder.
Choney’s extensive knowledge, unwavering work ethic, and expansive network have been instrumental in elevating the MDM Recordings brand. Her commitment extends beyond the business side of the music world — Choney lives and breathes country music. In her current roles, she co-manages Jess Moskaluke and serves as the tour manager for the Hunter Brothers. Her unique perspective and meticulous attention to detail place a strong emphasis on the well-being of her clients, making her an invaluable asset to the industry.
New elected to the 2023-2024 CCMA Board of Directors are:
Lindsay Hyslop
With over a decade of industry experience, Lindsay Hyslop has worked in label, management and publishing positions in Nashville and Toronto. Hyslop currently works with BMG / Broken Bow Music Group to promote their incredible roster of international superstars including Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll in Canada. Prior to BMG, Hyslop acted as the Director of Marketing for Anthem Entertainment in Nashville overseeing all aspects of marketing strategy and execution for Anthem Records’ label roster, working directly with artists, songwriters and partners. She also held positions at RGK Entertainment and Universal Music Canada, managing marketing, brand partnerships and streaming for their rosters. Throughout her career, Hyslop has worked closely with top domestic and international country artists including Dean Brody, Gord Bamford, Madeline Merlo, Sam Hunt and many more. She has developed great relationships with industry partners, digital service providers and media outlets to secure prime featuring and hundreds of millions of streams for her roster.
Morgan James
Morgan James (MJ) has worked in radio broadcasting for ten years, beginning her radio career in sales. James’s outgoing personality, however, led to a Morning Show position at a pop station in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Shortly after, James moved on to a locally operated and Indigenous-owned Hip Hop, R&B, and Soul station, where she continued to hone her skills as an on-air host. With a passion like no other, her knowledge of music eventually led to a Music Director position while also working in the production and promotions departments. After five years and a station rebrand, James continued as the Music Director and Host at NOW Country for the same organization. In the role, she ensured that the station offered a playlist like no other in Canada while focusing on up-and-coming and underrepresented artists and communities. James’s dedication to the Country format was recognized with a second-ballot CCMA Country Personality of the Year nomination in 2022. A year later, she was offered a position with Pure Country Radio in London, Ontario, where she continues demonstrating her enthusiasm and knowledge of Country music as the genre continues to evolve in Canada. Aside from her work within the music industry, James also advocates mental health awareness. She held a seat on the board of directors with Klinic Community Health in Winnipeg until her move to London.
These celebrated women join the current elected and appointed Board of Directors members in ushering the CCMA into Country Music Week 2024 and the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD. The current CCMA Board of Directors is:
Don Amero
Paul Biro
Melissa Cameron-Passley
Carmen Choney
Warren Copnick
Jenn Dalen
Jackie Dean (Chair)
Angelika Heim
Sharon Hinds
Lindsay Hyslop
Morgan James
Amanda Kingsland (Secretary)
Mike Lawless
Madelaine Napoleone
Casadie Pederson
Joelle Proulx
Julia Rambeau Smith
Charlotte Thompson (Treasurer)
For the latest CCMA news, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube or visit www.ccma.org.
About the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®)
Established in 1976, the CCMA is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to the promotion and recognition of Canadian country music. Built upon the foundation to educate, elevate, and celebrate Canadian talent, the CCMA progressively heralds the spirit, community, and creativity that country music fosters through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards. Sponsors of Country Music Week 2023 and the 2023 CCMA Awards Show presented by TD include FACTOR, Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, and the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s “Canada Music Fund”.
