Billboard.com
The Country Music Association (CMA) has named Brittany Schaffer as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding longtime CEO Sarah Trahern, who will retire at the end of 2026 after 13 years leading the organization.
Schaffer will officially join the CMA on Sept. 8 before assuming the CEO role on Jan. 1, 2027, as part of a transition plan designed to ensure continuity for the association’s staff, board and members.
She currently serves as dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, where she has overseen several major initiatives, including the expansion of the college’s Music Row campus and the launch of its Center for Mental Health in Entertainment.
Before joining Belmont in 2023, Schaffer spent five years as Spotify’s Head of Artist & Label Partnerships in Nashville, leading strategy across the streamer’s country, Christian/gospel and Americana divisions. She also previously practiced entertainment law at Loeb & Loeb LLP.
Schaffer brings more than 15 years of experience spanning entertainment law, artist partnerships and higher education leadership with her stating that she is planning to build on the foundation established during Trahern’s tenure while strengthening the industry’s global reach.
Trahern announced her retirement plans in January after leading the CMA since 2014. During her tenure, she oversaw significant international expansion for the organization and its flagship events, including the CMA Awards and CMA Fest.
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