The Giggs Podcast: #33 Tiffany Kerns | Shaping CMA's Future Through People, Purpose & Philanthropy

Welcome to The Giggs Podcast! Giggs is the career platform for live event professionals. We're starting this podcast because there's not nearly enough content out there about what it really takes to be on the road. Whether you're an aspiring tour manager, a seasoned backline tech, or just getting started in the business, this podcast is for you. We're taking you behind the scenes to explore the highs and the lows of life gigging on the Giggs Podcast. 

Tiffany Kerns is the Senior Vice President of Industry Relations & Philanthropy at the Country Music Association and the Executive Director of the CMA Foundation. She leads strategic programming for CMA’s 6,000+ members and drives over $30 million in music education funding across all 50 states. Whether it’s mental health support, DEI initiatives, or national advocacy for the next generation of creatives, Tiffany is doing the work that makes a real difference.

Listen to the whole episode now! Click here to listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube!

It’s Not Just About Money—It’s About Meaning

Tiffany has helped raise over $200 million across her career, but her secret isn’t a sales tactic—it’s listening. She asks people what they care about, takes notes, and remembers the details. “People want to be part of the dream,” she says. “Not just the result.”

That mindset shows up everywhere in her work, from major donors to CMA members to first-time performers at CMA Fest.

Rethinking Hiring, Leadership & Legacy

Tiffany is passionate about hiring based on skills and potential—not just reputation. She encourages people to question old narratives (especially the idea that the music industry is “10 years behind”) and to speak up, even when it’s hard.

Programs like CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy are designed to give women the tools—and community—they need to not just survive in the industry, but thrive.

Caring for the Crew, Not Just the Star

One of Tiffany’s biggest beliefs? The artist is only as strong as the team around them. If a tour manager is burned out or a bus driver is struggling, the ripple effect is real. “You can’t just focus on the artist and ignore the rest of the team,” she says. “We’ve got to support the whole ecosystem.”

This episode is a reminder that success in the music industry—and in life—isn’t about chasing power. It’s about showing up with purpose, asking better questions, and taking care of your people.

🎧 Listen to Episode #33 of the Giggs Podcast wherever you stream.