As the Assistant Vice President of Creative at BMI in Nashville, Leslie Roberts is a catalyst for music talent and industry innovation as she wields her expertise to discover, nurture and elevate emerging affiliates across Country and Christian genres. With over 15 years of dedicated service to BMI, her responsibilities encompass supporting BMI’s extensive network of songwriters and publishers through creative and administrative guidance, while managing critical programs for the company. Roberts spearheads key networking events for BMI such as its Next Big Wave Mixer, where rising affiliates and industry leaders have a chance to build new relationships within the community, and redesigned the BMI Buzz monthly showcase that puts promising up-and-coming songwriters on the radar for a publishing deal. The Nashville native coordinates and hosts the BMI Christian Awards and BMI Country Awards and leads her team in booking exclusive BMI opportunities such as the Key West Songwriters Festival and the BMI Ryman Block Party.
As a respected member of the Nashville community, Roberts serves on the Association of Independent Music Publishers, the Gospel Music Association and Cumberland Heights board of directors. Throughout her career she has received multiple accolades including the AIMP Nashville “Song Champion of the Year” (2019) award, Music Row Magazine’s “Rising Women on the Row” (2016) and the Sheila Keeble Award from Cumberland Heights. Prior to her role at BMI, Leslie gained extensive experience during her five-year tenure at Sony BMG Nashville as Manager, Artist & Repertoire along with three years in publishing at Mighty Isis Music. Roberts balances her professional achievements with her personal life, enjoying time with her husband and two sons.