Mary Ann McCready

CBS Records; Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc

Mary Ann McCready grew up in Alliance, Ohio, the daughter of a mechanical engineer father and economist mother. She is a cum laude graduate of Vanderbilt University and entered the music industry as a publicity assistant at CBS Records, followed by multiple jobs and title changes within the company, ending as vice president of sales and marketing. She was the first female to hold that title for a major record company. Returning to school, she received her CFP certification from The College of Financial Planning in Denver. In 1990, she introduced Chuck Flood and Frank Bumstead to each other, which led to the founding of Flood Bumstead McCready in 1990. In addition to founding principal, she is president of the financial and business management firm that includes the top names in the entertainment field. Among the firm's clients are winners of virtually every major award.

In 2012, Mary Ann was named the Business Manager of the Year at the CMA's SRO Awards. She was honored by Billboard Magazine from 2011-2013 as one of the top "Women in Music." In 2014, Mary Ann was also recognized at Nashville Business Journal's "Women of Influence" event. Mary Ann is past co-chair of The Music City Music Council, Trustee for The Country Music Hall of Fame, chair of The Hall's Investment Committee, Audit Committee Member for Music Cares, former Treasurer for Leadership Music, previous chairman of the Country Music Association's Market Development Committee, past Board Member of The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Better Business Bureau and Children's Theatre. Mary Ann spearheaded the establishment of the Country Music Association's Horizon Award and The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence. She was also the first female recipient of the CMA's Founding President's Award.