Sarah Trahern, the CEO of the Country Music Association, will retire on the finish of 2026, she introduced Wednesday. She’s going to proceed to steer the CMA by means of the top of the 12 months whereas the seek for a successor will get underway.
Trahern has led the group since 2014. The CMA is accountable for two of the signature occasions in nation music, the CMA Awards telecast in November and CMA Fest in June.
“Main the Nation Music Affiliation has been the privilege of my profession,” mentioned Trahern in a press release. “I’m extremely happy with what we’ve completed collectively in service of this business and its individuals, and deeply grateful for the neighborhood that makes nation music what it’s. After a lot reflection, I’ve made the choice to retire and embrace this subsequent chapter of life – one that permits me to stay related to this business in ways in which proceed to encourage me, whereas additionally creating area for the individuals and moments that matter most to me, together with time with my husband, Wayne, getting outside, and easy nights at dwelling with our canine, Riley.”
Earlier than taking the reins of the CMA 12 years in the past, Trahern held senior roles at C-SPAN and the Nashville Community and served as normal supervisor of Nice American Nation.
“Whereas we are going to deeply miss Sarah’s management, we’re excited to hold ahead the legacy she has established,” mentioned Jay Williams, CMA board chairman. “Sarah leaves behind an indelible mark on each the Nation Music Affiliation and the broader business. Her affect has formed not solely CMA however the way forward for nation music itself.”
Trahern has additionally served as president of the group’s nonprofit arm, the CMA Basis, which has devoted greater than $30 million to music training.
In accordance with the announcement, the CMA’s board has fashioned a search committee and retained the search agency Buffkin Baker to supervise the method. Extra particulars relating to the search might be introduced in February, the CMA mentioned.
