Jo Walker-Meador

Country Music Association, WKDA

Jo Walker-Meador was Executive Director of the Country Music Association 1962-1991 and was instrumental in the incredible growth of country music during those twenty-nine years. Walker-Meador went to work for CMA in 1958 as the office manager and through her hard work and dedication to the country format eventually was elevated into the Executive Director's position. Under her skillful leadership, the CMA prospered with such programs as CMA's annual award show, Fan Fair (now known as CMA Music Festival), and the national fund raising drive for the first building of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Thanks in part to Walker Meador's efforts, the CMA membership has grown from about 200 members to more than 7,000 individuals and organizations. Walker- Meador has remained active with Music Row events and was elected into the Country Music Hall I of Fame in 1995.

The CMA named the award for marketing achievements of country music outside of North America the Jo Walker-Meador International Award.