Our Team
Co-Chairs & Executive Sponsors
Deana Ivey
President & CEO Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Michael Lohmann
Head of Production Kapital Entertainment (CBS/Paramount)
Bob Raines
Executive Director Tennessee Entertainment Commission
Olly Rowland
Product & Head of Production Partnerships CTK Enterprises / Noz Entertainment
Sarah Cates
Vice President Imagination, Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, Belmont University
Rick Rekedal
Chief Creative Officer AWC Chair for Faith, Hope & Culture in Cinematic Arts, Belmont University
Brain Trust
Nick Barnes
Head of Heartland Division United Talent Agency
Joel Edward
Founder & Executive Producer Evolve Studios
J. Chris Wall
CoFounder of Shining Isle Productions; Executive Producer / Showrunner, The Wingfeather Saga
David Byerley
Real Estate Investor Developer & Music Industry Entrepreneur
Brian Loschavio
Co-Founder & Executive Producer Riverside Entertainment
Kyle Gordon
Tower AI
Kristoff Hart
CEO of Belhart
Caroline Melby Rupard
Strategic Partnerships & Projects Lead Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, Belmont University
Jennifer Fowler
Department Chair, Economics & Finance, Professor of Economics & Music Business, Belmont University
Candice Dillard
Creative Professional, Belmont ‘26
The Facilitating Team
Cate Tidwell McLeane
Managing Director, Belmont Innovation Labs. Project Lead & Co-Facilitator
Lindsey Nobles
Strategic Project Advisor and Facilitator Project Co-Facilitator
Julie Gilpin
Project Manager, Belmont Innovation Labs
Josh Yates
VP, Strategy and Innovation Belmont University (Strategic Advisor)