Essig co-heads the Nashville office and represents some of the world’s top musicians, including Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Martina McBride, Ashley Monroe, REO Speedwagon, Styx and Tim McGraw. Prior to joining CAA in 1993, Essig served as Vice President and co-owner of Minneapolis-based booking agency Variety Artists International. In 2008, Essig served as Chairman of the Academy of Country Music, and currently serves on the board of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Lifting Lives, Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, MusiCares, NARAS, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and WO Smith School Board. He is also a 1997 graduate of Leadership Music.