Marketing Minds: Insights from Our Board
/Welcome to a new series of articles from the AMA Nashville Board of Directors! In this quarterly series, the Board will share the insights and perspectives shaping their work.
Read MoreWelcome to a new series of articles from the AMA Nashville Board of Directors! In this quarterly series, the Board will share the insights and perspectives shaping their work.
Read MoreNashville, March 27, 2025 – The American Marketing Association Nashville Chapter (AMA Nashville) is pleased to announce its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term, ushering in a dynamic team of industry leaders poised to drive innovation and excellence in marketing.
The incoming board members bring a wealth of diverse experiences and expertise, reflecting the vibrant and evolving landscape of the marketing industry. As the chapter continues its mission to connect, educate, and elevate marketing professionals, the new board is committed to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth within the local marketing community.
Appointments for the 2025-2026 term include:
President
Jacqueline Hayes, LinkedIn
Secretary
Cindy Hall, LinkedIn
Treasurer
Kelly Polk, LinkedIn
VP Communications
Abigail Hammer, LinkedIn
VP-Elect Communications
Amanda Mazzo, LinkedIn
VP Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Taniesha Westbrook, LinkedIn
VP Membership Engagement
Katie Peninger, LinkedIn
VP-Elect Membership
Amanda Magusiak, LinkedIn
VP Programming
Hannah Schneider, LinkedIn
VP-Elect Programming
Dave DeRosa, LinkedIn
VP Sponsorship
Wesley Williams, LinkedIn
Collegiate Relations Chair
Britton Watson, LinkedIn
Hospitality Chair
Dana Taft, LinkedIn
Marketing In Healthcare Chair
Paula Milam, LinkedIn
Marketing in Tech Chair
James Hanson, LinkedIn
Social Media Chair
Samantha Rickert, LinkedIn
Volunteers Chair
Ashley DePew, LinkedIn
Immediate Past President/ Historian
Caleb Spencer, LinkedIn
Incoming President and Founder of Crayons & Marketers, Jacqueline Hayes, shares her excitement for the new board, “We're thrilled to welcome both returning and new board members for the 2025-26 fiscal year! A heartfelt thank you to those who served this past year. We appreciate your dedication and hope you’ll stay engaged. I'm excited to build on our momentum and make this an outstanding year for AMA Nashville!”
For more information about the American Marketing Association Nashville Chapter and to connect with the newly appointed board members, please visit https://amanashville.org/
About AMA Nashville:
The American Marketing Association Nashville Chapter is a professional association for individuals and organizations involved in the practice, teaching, and study of marketing. The chapter provides a platform for networking, education, and professional development to empower marketers in Nashville and the surrounding areas.
Media Contact:
Abigail Hammer
VP of Communications, 2024-2025
communications@amanashville.org
By: Sam Eaves
As Chair of Collegiate Relations for AMA Nashville and an alumnus of Belmont University—where I earned my Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Marketing and Management—I’m deeply passionate about bridging the gap between students and real-world marketing opportunities.
When I first learned about Massey PowerSkills, I immediately saw its potential as a valuable initiative for our AMA community. So when Dr. LeBleu reached out about hosting a Careers in Marketing panel, I knew it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. Given the enthusiasm from our AMA board and members, what started as an idea quickly turned into a highly engaging and insightful event. In fact, the response was so overwhelming that I transitioned from being a panelist to serving as the event’s moderator!
The turnout exceeded expectations, filling the room beyond capacity and creating an energetic atmosphere. Our panel of five accomplished marketing professionals brought a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, making for a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion. But the true highlight? The students.
Belmont’s marketing students asked insightful and well-researched questions, sparking engaging conversations on topics ranging from the ethical implications of AI in marketing to essential skills employers seek and navigating complex client interactions. Their curiosity and enthusiasm demonstrated a deep interest in the field and a readiness to take on the challenges of the evolving marketing landscape.
"It was an absolute privilege to engage with Belmont University’s marketing students alongside my fellow AMA Nashville colleagues. Their curiosity, thoughtful questions, and passion for the industry were truly inspiring. Seeing the next generation of marketers so eager to learn and grow reinforces the importance of mentorship and community in our field. These conversations are what make our work so meaningful." – Katie Peninger, VP Membership, AMA Nashville
As the moderator, I had the privilege of guiding these discussions, witnessing firsthand the exchange of knowledge and ideas between seasoned professionals and the next generation of marketers. The energy in the room was palpable—a testament to the value of creating spaces where students and industry leaders can connect, share insights, and inspire one another.
Reflecting on the event, I’m grateful to have played a role in facilitating such an enriching experience. It reaffirmed the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and community in shaping the future of our industry. I look forward to continuing to support initiatives like this, helping to equip students with the knowledge and connections they need to thrive.
If you’re interested in being part of impactful events like this, I encourage you to get involved with AMA Nashville.
Nashville, March 1, 2024 – The American Marketing Association Nashville Chapter (AMA Nashville) is pleased to announce its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term, ushering in a dynamic team of industry leaders poised to drive innovation and excellence in marketing.
The incoming board members bring a wealth of diverse experiences and expertise, reflecting the vibrant and evolving landscape of the marketing industry. As the chapter continues its mission to connect, educate, and elevate marketing professionals, the new board is committed to fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth within the local marketing community.
Appointments for the 2024-2025 term include:
President - Caleb Spencer
President-Elect - Jacqui Hayes
Secretary - Teresa Sosa
Treasurer - Kelly Polk
VP Membership Engagement - Katie Peninger
VP Programming - Angela Hardison
VP Special Events - Joy Lewis Hassler
VP Communications - Dr. Contrecia Thorpe
VP Sponsorship - Brent Snyder
VP Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Edwin Acevedo
VP-Elect Programming - Kathy Devine
Collegiate Relations Chair - Sam Eaves
Hospitality Chair - Larken Lech
Hospitality Chair-Elect - Dana Taft
Marketing in Healthcare Chair - Paula Milam
Marketing In Manufacturing Chair - Lori Whitbey
Mentorship Chair - Abigail Hammer
Research Chair - James Doyle
Young Professionals Chair - Lauren Bellflower
Immediate Past President / Historian - Jennifer Renshaw
Immediate Past President / Historian - Ilex Pounders
Newly elected President and Founder of Brand Activator, Caleb Spencer, shares his excitement for the new board, "I look forward to leading our dynamic community towards new horizons in marketing, starting this July. Let's continue to amplify our impact in the Nashville area and make the 2024-2025 term an inspiring chapter in the AMA Nashville legacy!"
For more information about the American Marketing Association Nashville Chapter and to connect with the newly appointed board members, please visit https://amanashville.org/
###
About AMA Nashville:
The American Marketing Association Nashville Chapter is a professional association for individuals and organizations involved in the practice, teaching, and study of marketing. The chapter provides a platform for networking, education, and professional development to empower marketers in Nashville and the surrounding areas.
Media Contact:
Vannesia Darby
VP of Communications, 2023-2024
communications@amanashville.org
Learn how new and emerging brands can benefit form TV in their digital ad campaigns.
Read MoreRead our new blog post for all the latest on the newest craze to hit social media. Should you be on it? Find out below
Read MoreRead our new blog for key takeaways from our recent ChatGPT panel discussion & learn how to use conversational AI marketing tools for your business effectively.
Read MoreFebruary 2020 was the best month The Escape Game had ever had. And then, the bottom fell out. This is the story of how The Escape Game pivoted and the SEO strategy that helped them succeed!
Read MoreDecision-makers must align advertising and marketing as closely as possible to the journeys their consumers are taking. To be successful, advertisers require data to make sure their strategies are mitigating consumers’ changing purchase behaviors and TV viewing habits.
Read MoreOne of the most challenging choices is how to make the most of video advertising – that is, how to balance traditional linear TV with streaming. New data uncovers the importance of incorporating both strategies into an effective media plan.
Read More