With over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry, Tom Barker is a seasoned performer, radio host, event producer, and passionate advocate for equity in the arts. His multifaceted career began in creative media as a content creator, photographer, and designer, evolving into a dynamic presence both on and off the stage. Tom’s deep understanding of event production is rooted in hands-on experience across numerous disciplines, allowing him to craft events that are as impactful as they are inclusive.

Tom spent four years in Top 40 and Country radio, where he championed local artists and developed a keen ear for curating diverse and engaging musical lineups. His commitment to inclusivity and representation has shaped his approach to entertainment, ensuring that every performer has the opportunity to shine authentically.

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Performing under his acclaimed alter-ego “Birthday Girl,” Tom was named Entertainer of the Year in both 2022 and 2023. His high-energy performances, combined with his natural charisma, have solidified his reputation as a standout figure in the Canadian entertainment landscape.

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Tom’s dedication to the growth of country music in Alberta is exemplified by his long-standing involvement with the Country Music Alberta (CMAB) organization. A committed member for over 10 years, Tom has served seven of those years on the Awards Committee, helping shape recognition for excellence in the industry. For the past three years, he has also taken on the role of Kick-Off Party Producer, delivering high-caliber, unforgettable events that set the tone for the annual celebration of Alberta’s country talent.

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Tom Barker continues to be a driving force in fostering community, creativity, and equity within Alberta’s music scene—bringing passion, professionalism, and vision to everything he does

Jess has built her career in the live music industry through a combination of professional experience, volunteer work, and a persistent passion for live events. As the Entertainment and Production Lead at Stampede Entertainment Inc. (SEI), Jess plays a key role in concert booking at The King Eddy, and in production management for the Calgary Stampede and Folk on the Rocks.

In addition to her work with SEI, Jess manages artists Julia Vos and Robert Adam, helping to shape their careers and amplify their presence on national and international stages. Previously, as Program Manager at Alberta Music, Jess led showcase and export initiatives, as well as educational and networking events. Before that, she spent five years as the Assistant Manager of Events and Programming at The Gateway, where she promoted and stage-managed live performances.

When she's not at a concert, Jess can be found exploring Alberta and B.C. with her dog, Reno. The two are always on the lookout for the perfect bite to eat or Instagram shot.

A life-long music lover, Megan found her place at OCL Studios as the Studio Manager. After joining the team, Megan's passion for the Canadian music industry led her to Toronto and the Canada's Music Incubator Manager program, which she completed in 2017. In 2023, she was selected to participate in the Women in Music Entrepreneur Accelerator program. Megan joined the Country Music Alberta (formerly Association of Country Music in Alberta) Board of Directors in 2020, where she spent four years working to grow the association. After a short pause, Megan is thrilled to return to the Board and continue that work. 

Creative, committed, focused, and passionate are a few words to summarize Chard’s dedication to the country music industry over his career as a professional songwriter.  Being a songwriter, he has developed unique talents in being able to orchestrate the process details from song idea to marketing strategy, and also collaborate with and learn from all levels of music the industry from established Icons to the newest independent artists. Chard’s range of creative and business experience has qualified him to become one of Western Canada’s most sought after consultants for numerous boards both in the music industry and private sector in governance and strategy. He prides himself on being accountable and serving as a translator between all sectors and experience levels involved in a project or initiative all while on the lookout for the next perfect rhyme.

Tera Lee Flaman is an Alberta-based music industry professional whose super power is building meaningful relationships. With a solid background in radio and a passion for supporting Canadian country artists, she helps guide them through their careers, radio releases, and the ever-evolving music industry.

Tera Lee has worn many hats over the years—she’s been a singer, songwriter, and musician, earning a CCMA Rising Star nomination in 2004. As a radio personality, she’s been recognized with five CCMA On-Air Personality of the Year awards, and in 2023, she received the Country Music Alberta Industry Person of the Year award.

She’s also an experienced live show producer, having produced all CCMA Legends Shows and four Country Music Alberta Awards shows.

Now, as an Artist Manager with GPS Artist Management, she works directly with Hailey Benedict, Tim & The Glory Boys, and Nice Horse. Tera Lee has supported artists at every stage on various aspects of their careers, including Gord Bamford, Kalsey Kulyk, and The Prairie States and more.

Emma Harding is a voice and artist development coach with over 20 years of experience in training beginners to multi-platinum selling artists. Emma has travelled the world to train with internationally recognized voice coaches and shares this knowledge as well as her own unique philosophies and methods with her clients through her company, Rockit Vocal Studios. She has toured as an artist herself and is passionate about helping others develop their skills, so they are empowered to continue creating and sharing their music with confidence.

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The daughter of an established musician, Emma grew up in a home that was also a recording studio.  Her first word was Mic-Mic (Music) and she discovered her passion for the industry on tours, in recording sessions and at rehearsals with her father where she got to learn first hand from legends like Ronnie Dio and Jon Lord, which kick started her musical career and developed a strong understanding of the intricate workings of the industry from a very early age.

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Her diverse educational background includes graduating from the London Music School, completing the artist management program at CMI, the Music Business course at Berklee and achieving her voice health certification. She is enrolled in the mental health informed practitioner certification, focusing on the affects of the music industry and its practices on artist’s mental wellness.

As well as managing Rockit Vocal Studios for the past 11 years, Emma was selected to bring her musical expertise to the community as the Musical Artist in Residence at the Calgary library, and as the voice coach for CMI’s AE West program. She serves as a coach for TV & production companies including The Jim Henson Company.  She also has experience in broadcasting, having worked with Newcap Radio both on air and behind the scenes and at JACK FM as the promotions director. 

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With over 18 years in the music industry, Jenna Robson has been instrumental in shaping numerous artists’ careers during her tenure at 604 Records in British Columbia. Her comprehensive expertise spans daily operations, tour bookings, marketing, artist management and much more. In the past three years, Jenna served on the BC Country Music Association board, where she played a pivotal role in establishing a data-driven eligibility process for award voting. Now based in Calgary, Jenna is eager to bring her knowledge and passion to the CMAB, immersing herself in Alberta’s vibrant music community to support its growth and development.

Jodi Broadhead holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, majoring in marketing and minoring in organizational analysis. She moved to Slave Lake in 2000, working in student recruitment and marketing at Northern Lakes College before transitioning into the oil and gas industry and later focusing on homemaking.

Her journey into the music industry began when her daughter, Berlyn, started singing at just four years old. Since then, Jodi has become a passionate advocate for music and entertainment, organizing numerous concerts and events in her community. She has played a key role in raising significant funds for music festivals and political campaigns.

Known for her creativity, dedication, and resourcefulness, Jodi goes above and beyond in everything she takes on. She hopes her experience and commitment will make a meaningful impact on the members of Country Music Alberta.

A long-time resident of Stettler, Alberta, I've built a fulfilling life here alongside my husband, Russ, raising our two daughters and becoming deeply rooted in the community. Professionally, I'm a dedicated Mortgage Renewal Advisor at ATB Financial, where I guide clients through important financial decisions. My heart, however, resonates with the vibrant sounds of country music. For two decades, I proudly performed with Renegade Station, creating cherished memories and forging lasting connections within the Alberta music scene. My commitment to the genre extends to my long-standing membership with Country Music Alberta since 2011, and I'm thrilled to contribute my experience by serving on the CMAB board. When I'm not immersed in work or music, I find joy in the simple pleasures of life. I love spending quality time camping with family and friends, immersing myself in the beauty of nature, and exploring new horizons through travel. These moments of respite and adventure recharge my spirit and inspire my songwriting."