2023 Alumni Awards Profiles
Cameo Carlson ’93
Reunion: 30th
Residence: Hendersonville, Tennessee
Grinnell major: Political science
Other degrees: Master of Arts in journalism from University of Missouri (2000)
Profession: Music industry executive
3 ways Cameo embodies Grinnell College’s mission of lifetime learning and service
- Cameo has contributed to the development of the music industry from its digital inception and helped further numerous music careers while championing inclusivity and integrity.
- She is the CEO of mtheory, a manager services company providing global marketing and strategic support for artist managers. In 2022, mtheory launched a 12-month program designed to provide access and training for underrepresented demographics in the country music industry.
- Cameo has served her alma mater in numerous capacities, including as an Alumni Council member, class agent, host of numerous externships, a GRASP coordinator, and a Reunion Class Committee member. She also has returned to campus to take part in panel discussions and connect with students.
Something you probably didn’t know about Cameo
Cameo has two U.S. patents, stemming from her work in multimedia scheduling for Spinner.com in the early 2000s.
Bonus Cameo Fun Facts
- Past jobs include head of digital business development for Borman Entertainment, executive vice president of Universal Motown and Republic Records, and label relations and music programming manager at iTunes.
- Cameo is on the Academy of Country Music Diversity & Inclusion Task Force and a board member of the Music Business Association and the Women’s Music Business Association.
- She co-founded Digital Divas Nashville, which has been empowering women at the intersection of music and digital through networking, mentoring, and support since 2008.
A quote about Cameo
“In her professional life, Cameo works to bridge several generations, from Millennial musicians to Gen X venue owners, to Baby Boomer promoters. Cameo can find a way to assist everyone to communicate with each other. I believe no other alum has a direct line to Keith Urban. Cameo is a shining example of what Grinnell students can do with their education, and more importantly, she is an example of how alumni can give back to support current students and fellow alumni.”
– Kelly Clements Hopfer ’96
Read more 2023 Alumni Award Recipient profiles.