Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern to Retire at the End of 2026

Sarah Trahern, CEO of the  Country Music Association (CMA), will retire at the end of 2026, marking the conclusion of her 12-year-tenure in the role. Trahern will remain engaged in her role as CEO until the end of the year, working with the Board and senior leadership amid a search for her successor.

Taking the helm of CMA in 2014, Trahern has worked to heighten the awareness of Country Music and support its growth through its commitment to its members, and through the association’s television properties, including the CMA Awards, “CMA Fest,” and “CMA Country Christmas."

“Leading the Country Music Association has been the privilege of my career,” said Trahern. “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together in service of this industry and its people, and deeply grateful for the community that makes Country Music what it is. After much reflection, I’ve made the decision to retire and embrace this next chapter of life – one that allows me to remain connected to this industry in ways that continue to inspire me, while also creating space for the people and moments that matter most to me, including time with my husband, Wayne, getting outdoors, and simple nights at home with our dog, Riley.”  

During her tenure, Trahern has reinforced CMA’s commitment to music education through the organization’s nonprofit arm, the CMA Foundation, where she serves as President. The CMA Foundation transforms lives through the power of music education, investing more than $30 million to date in research-informed programs that expand access, empower music teachers, and create meaningful opportunities for students. 

Prior to joining CMA, Trahern held senior roles at C-SPAN and The Nashville Network (TNN) and later served as General Manager of Great American Country (GAC). Since moving to Nashville more than 30 years ago, she has played a central role in shaping the modern Country Music landscape through leadership that has fostered collaboration, expanded opportunity, and elevated the genre’s reach and relevance. Her influence has been widely recognized, including being named one of Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs and receiving Billboard’s Country Power Players “Executive of the Year” honor in 2017. In 2024, she was honored with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award by the Grand Ole Opry, among many other accolades.   

As Trahern prepares for this next chapter, CMA’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee and retained an independent executive search firm, Buffkin Baker, to facilitate a comprehensive process to identify her successor and ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition. Additional details regarding the search, including how and when potential candidates may be considered, will be announced in February.  

“While we will deeply miss Sarah’s leadership, we are excited to carry forward the legacy she has established, said Jay Williams, Co-Head and Partner, WME, and CMA Board Chairman. “Sarah leaves behind an indelible mark on both the Country Music Association and the broader industry. Her influence has shaped not only CMA but the future of Country Music itself.”  

Photo Credit: John Russell/CMA