Sarah Trahern, the longtime CEO of the Country Music Association, will retire at the end of 2026, bringing to a close a 12-year run that helped reshape both the organization and the broader country music industry. Since starting in 2014, Trahern has overseen a period of growth and innovation, expanding the genre’s global reach while reinforcing CMA’s role as a central pillar of the industry.
During her tenure, CMA deepened its commitment to serving the full spectrum of its membership, including artists, songwriters, touring crews, and business professionals alike, while evolving its flagship events into internationally recognized cultural touchstones. The “CMA Awards,” “CMA Fest,” and “CMA Country Christmas” have become not just major televised events, but global showcases for the genre, helping drive music discovery and strengthen the bond between artists and fans. At the same time, the organization expanded its international footprint, building stronger ties in key markets and pushing country music further onto the world stage.
Trahern’s leadership was also defined by her focus on people and infrastructure, especially during moments of crisis. She coordinated industry-wide support efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, responded to natural disasters, and helped expand mental health resources across the community. Continuing her mission of philanthropy, she made music education a central priority through the CMA Foundation, where she serves as president. To date, the foundation has invested more than $30 million in research-backed music education programs nationwide, supported in part by proceeds from CMA Fest.
Before joining CMA, Trahern built a strong career, holding senior roles at C-SPAN and The Nashville Network before serving as General Manager of Great American Country. Since moving to Nashville more than three decades ago, she has been behind the scenes of the modern country ecosystem. Her influence has been widely recognized, including being named Billboard’s Country Power Players “Executive of the Year” in 2017, earning Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO honors, and receiving the Grand Ole Opry’s Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award in 2024.
“Leading the Country Music Association has been the privilege of my career,” Trahern said in a statement, adding that she plans to remain connected to the industry while making more time for family, including her husband, Wayne, and quieter moments at home with their dog, Riley.
Trahern will remain the CEO through the end of 2026, working with the board and senior leadership to guide CMA into its next chapter. The CMA Board of Directors has formed a search committee and retained executive search firm Buffkin Baker to identify her successor, with more details expected to be announced in February.
“Sarah leaves behind an indelible mark on both the Country Music Association and the broader industry,” said CMA Board Chair Jay Williams. “Her influence has shaped not only CMA, but the future of country music itself.”
When Trahern steps down, she won’t just be leaving a job, but she’ll be closing a chapter that helped define how modern country music presents itself to the world.
About the Author
