Lori Badgett and Diane Pearson Named to Billboard's Country Power Players List

This is the fourth consecutive year that the Entertainment Banking duo have made the list.

Nashville Entertainment Banking team leaders Lori Badgett and Diane Pearson were recognized on Billboard's ninth annual "Country Power Players" list — their fourth consecutive year receiving this honor. The publication's annual list celebrates the executives who have facilitated the biggest moments of the year throughout the country music industry.

"Congratulations to Lori and Diane on making Billboard's notable 'Country Power Players' list," said JaHan Wang, executive vice president of Entertainment Banking and Badgett and Pearson's manager. "City National is known in Nashville as the 'Bank to Music City,' and this is a testament to their leadership and unwavering dedication to their clients and communities every day."

Badgett and Pearson were celebrated for their leadership – leading a team that supports more than 80% of the country music industry in Nashville, ranging from artists to concert venues. In 2023, they have helped clients navigate vast uncertainty and prepare for what's next in the "new normal" of the entertainment industry.

They were also honored for their involvement with the Nashville community, supporting a wide range of organizations, including the Academy of Country Music, Leadership Music, Musicians On Call, Women's Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, ACM Lifting Lives and more.

The Entertainment Banking duo were instrumental in launching the Nashville office in 2011 and quickly grew it to become the premier entertainment bank in town. Under their leadership, the office has grown from a handful of colleagues to now over two dozen people serving some of the most well-known names in the industry.

Click here to view the full list of Billboard's Country Power Players 2023.