SMACKSongs Promotes Sam Sarno

SMACKSongs has promoted Sam Sarno to Senior Creative Director of Publishing. Since joining the company in 2018, Sarno has become an invaluable member of the SMACK team, playing a key role in the success and development of its dynamic roster.

Sarno has guided writers like Lalo Guzman, Josh Dorr and Johnny Clawson to their first major hits all within the last year, including Blake Shelton’s “Texas,” Ella Langley’s “Weren’t For The Wind” and George Birge’s “Cowboy Songs.” Additionally, at her time at SMACK so far she has also played a key role in the continued success of veteran songwriters like Pete Good with Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton’s “We Don’t Fight Anymore” and Marc Beeson, helping him secure his four No. 1s, including Tim McGraw’s “One Bad Habit.”

In her elevated role, Sarno will continue her work with the company’s current roster while also focusing on signing and developing new talent. She will be instrumental in developing creative and commercial opportunities for SMACK’s diverse team of over 25 writers.

“Watching Sam go from the front desk to one of the best publishers in the music business has been a highlight of my career,” shared Lee Krabel, Sr. VP of Publishing. “This promotion is a direct result of her work ethic and dedication to the writers at SMACK. We are proud to have her as a part of the team!”

“I’m incredibly thankful to keep growing within a company that means so much to me. Lee, Robin, and Robert have believed in me from the start, and I’m so grateful for their trust and guidance,” adds Sarno. “It’s been amazing watching our writers flourish, and I’m honored to keep building something special with them and this team!”

Sarno’s passion and leadership are a powerful reflection of SMACK’s ongoing mission to nurture talent and create standout songs that shape the sound of Nashville.