Nashville PR Veteran Jackie Martinez Marushka Launches Latina-Led Agency and Publishes New Guide

Jackie Martínez Marushka burst onto Nashville’s music‑PR scene on May 16, 2016 when she opened Marushka Media, a boutique agency that quickly became the go‑to partner for Americana, country and Latin artists. With a career that spans more than three decades, Marushka has blended hands‑on experience with a keen sense of brand storytelling, and her latest effort—a practical guide to personal branding—offers a playbook for artists who can’t afford a full‑time publicist.

Marushka’s journey began in the 1990s after a move from Albuquerque to Nashville. While working as an office assistant at the Midnight Rodeo dance hall, she met Joe Carter, a major‑label country manager, and was introduced to producer‑director duo Brian Bateman and Michael Merriman of Pecos Films. When the duo relocated to Nashville, Marushka joined them as an office assistant and later transitioned into public relations.

Her first formal PR role came under veteran publicist Melissa Matthews, who hired her part‑time before bringing her on full‑time. From there Marushka moved to Benson Records—part of Sony Music’s Provident Label Group—where she climbed the ranks to Vice‑President of Communications and Public Relations for all Provident labels, a position she held for 12 years.

In 2015, Marushka shifted to Shore Fire Media’s Nashville office as general manager, focusing on business development rather than creative campaigns. A conversation with her mother—who urged her to start her own firm—sparked the decision that led to Marushka Media’s founding in 2016.

The agency’s client roster reads like a cross‑genre passport: Americana Music Association, Cook Allender, Gustavo Mioto, Keith Stegall, MŌRIAH, Russ Lannom, and rising Americana‑Soul artist Kenny Sharp, whom she recently began managing. Marushka Media also partners with Barbecue Country, Billy Blue Records, Celtic Crossroads Brussels, CelticWorld, Get After It Media, the Heartland Network, Music City Irish Fest, the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Whippoorwill Arts, and Your Roots Are Showing.

Marushka’s approach is bespoke. She insists that each campaign be tailored to an artist’s brand and vision, emphasizing artist participation and clear brand messaging before any public relations rollout.

In January 2026, Marushka published The PR Playbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Personal Branding & Public Relations. Released on Amazon and other retailers, the book offers templates, campaign roadmaps, and advice distilled from her 33‑year career. She says the guide is meant for artists, managers, and aspiring PR professionals who may not have the budget to hire a full‑time publicist.

Beyond agency work, Marushka has championed Latino representation in Nashville. In 2019 she founded the Hispanic Entertainment Alliance, the city’s first organization dedicated to increasing Hispanic visibility in the music industry. The Alliance also established a charitable fund through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. On the international stage, she has collaborated with Brazil’s country star Gustavo Mioto on his English‑language releases and participated in Ireland’s Your Roots Are Showing conference.

Marushka’s roots in Velarde, New Mexico—a family farm and general store—shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. Growing up amid country and ranchero music, her first concert experience came at the New Mexico State Fair when Freddie Fender performed.

Her career trajectory—from internships at Albuquerque radio stations and KOAT‑TV to roles at major labels and a national PR firm—has given her a comprehensive view of the music business. She has cited mentors such as Steve Rohr, Cindy Watts, Joe Galante, and Charlie Monk as influential figures.

Marushka’s story illustrates the growing presence of Latina professionals in Nashville’s music and entertainment sectors. By combining strategic brand development with a focus on representation, her agency and advocacy work continue to shape the industry.

Looking ahead, Marushka Media plans to broaden its roster of Latin and Americana artists and expand internal training programs. The agency’s recent partnership with the Americana Music Association and its involvement in the 2024 AmericanaFest showcase highlight its ongoing influence in the Nashville music scene.