SMACK Promotes Marissa Loar to Vice President

The longtime employee steps into a leadership role to guide the firm’s artist management division.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Country

SMACK Promotes Marissa Loar to Vice President

Nashville-based SMACK has officially promoted Marissa Loar to the position of Vice President of Management. Loar will now oversee the company management division and guide the careers of its current artist roster.

Why it matters

Loar’s advancement signifies a strategic leadership shift for the firm as it looks to build on its recent successes in the music industry. She will now spearhead the future direction of the company’s management operations.

Loar rose through the ranks at the firm over a 10-year tenure that began as an intern in 2016. During her time with the company, she contributed to the commercial success of the song Fancy Like.

The players

Marissa Loar

She is the newly appointed Vice President of Management at SMACK who previously managed artists such as Walker Hayes.

SMACK

This Nashville-based entertainment company focuses on artist management and music production.

Walker Hayes

He is a country music artist whose career and hit song Fancy Like were supported by Loar.

The details

As the former Artist Management Coordinator, Loar previously served as a day-to-day manager for artists including Walker Hayes, Kylie Morgan, and Jenna Davis. Her promotion formalizes her transition from operational support to executive leadership within the organization.

Marissa Loar began her career at SMACK as an intern in 2016.
The promotion of Marissa Loar was announced on October 29, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This leadership appointment follows the broader trend of boutique Nashville management firms elevating long-term staff to executive roles to maintain stability. The move highlights how established firms are prioritizing internal growth to navigate the competitive landscape of the music industry.

The change in leadership signals potential shifts in how artists managed by the firm might approach future projects and touring cycles. Fans can expect continued professional development and output from the firm's current roster of talent.

The takeaway

Internal promotions at boutique firms are often the key to sustaining long-term artist success and brand identity. Developing talent from within allows companies to maintain a consistent vision while adapting to new market pressures.