Conversations with Kortney Toney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kortney Toney

Hi Kortney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began in Huntsville, Alabama, where I was exposed to the musical arts, including choral, musical theatre, and dance. This exposure laid a foundation for my passion for music and film, which I carry today.

Fast-forward: After graduating from college with a degree in the music industry, I found that after a brief stint in publicity, my love and passion lay in marketing, programming, and project management. Therefore, for the past 10+ years, I have been working diligently towards growing my career in new and innovative ways since the music industry continues to change so rapidly.

Outside of my day-to-day job, I also write and produce visual content for independent projects. This fuels my love for film and telling the story of big and small things to which the world should be exposed.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As you get older, the one true thing is that life does not turn out how you think it will in your adolescent years. No matter how hard you try, it just doesn’t go as planned. It’s crucial to be adaptable, to pivot and sometimes have a backup plan. However, your ultimate goal does not need to be forgotten about. It should always be the north star you aim to reach, even though the road will change how you get there.

When I started my career post-college graduation in 2011, the housing market crash, aka “The Great Recession,” happened. I came fresh out of college with high hopes but no job to apply for. This was devastating and it took about 2.5 years for me to officially find a full-time job in my field. Those were incredibly stressful and heartbreaking times. Additionally, I have endured layoffs in an ever-changing business, such as during the pandemic. As millennials, we have been through a lot, but we have shown incredible strength and resilience. These obstacles are not our fault, but we have no choice but to get up and keep moving.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my day-to-day work, I oversee ‘Programming & Community Engagement’ for the Academy of Country Music. In this role, I work closely with members of our music community to grow future key leaders through our impactful LEVel Up Program. This two-year program, which I am proud to lead, takes a cohort through different facets of the industry, equipping them with essential critical skills. The aim is to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of Country Music to new audiences that transcend demographics and geography, inspiring a brighter future for our industry. The impact of this program is not just in the skills it imparts, but in the potential it unlocks in these future leaders, inspiring a brighter future for our industry.

Furthermore, in 2022, we made a significant stride toward promoting diversity and equality with the launch of the OnRamp Program. This impactful partnership program, born out of our unwavering commitment to social justice, was created to launch, sustain, and support those in marginalized communities. As leaders in this industry, we must empower the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers. The OnRamp Program does this by granting access to professional development opportunities, community mentorship, and other avenues for personal growth, industry exposure, and exclusive events. The impact of the OnRamp Program is not just in the opportunities it provides, but in the progress it signifies towards a more inclusive and equitable music industry.

Also, working with our collaborative Lifting Voices Council, who provide guidance and inspiration as we work to improve things, is key to my role. The Lifting Voices Council, a group of diverse industry professionals, plays a crucial role in advising and shaping our initiatives, ensuring they are inclusive and impactful. Their collective effort is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving change. The role of the Lifting Voices Council is not just advisory, but transformative, showing the power of collaboration in driving change in our industry.

In addition, I also oversee community engagement, which involves working internally and externally with our community partners to grow the Academy’s brand in new and impactful ways. This will help us as a company be more positively and inclusively exposed in the Nashville and music industry community.

Lastly, as mentioned before, I also write and produce visual content in my spare time.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find immense joy in traveling and immersing myself in diverse cultures, reading biographies, and watching documentaries to gain a deeper understanding of history. The TV shows I enjoy, such as “Golden Girls,” “The Crown,” “Designing Women,” “Mama’s Family,” “The Nanny,” and ” I Love Lucy,” as well as impactful films and mini-series, all contribute to my continuous learning journey. I also cherish the moments spent at a lively dinner party or during a relaxed evening of meaningful conversations with friends.

For me, the key to enjoyment lies in peaceful situations. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a serene getaway, I find myself most at ease in tranquil settings.