Country Music Association Names Brittany Schaffer CEO, Set to Succeed Sarah Trahern in 2027

The Country Music Association (CMA) announced on June 8 2026 that Brittany Schaffer will become its next chief executive officer. Schaffer will join the CMA organization on September 8 as part of a transitional plan and will officially succeed current CEO Sarah Trahern on January 1 2027.

Schaffer comes to the CMA from Belmont University, where she has served as dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. According to the CMA, her tenure at Belmont has accelerated the college’s growth, deepened ties with the music industry, and launched several “transformative initiatives.” These include the 90,000‑square‑foot expansion of the Curb College on Music Row and the creation of a Center for Mental Health in Entertainment.

Prior to her academic role, Schaffer spent more than a decade in the music industry. She began as an entertainment attorney at Loeb & Loeb LLP, where she advised artists, creators, and corporations on intellectual‑property and media deals. She later joined Spotify as Head of Artist & Label Partnerships for Nashville, a position in which she helped shape the platform’s strategy for country, Christian/Gospel, and Americana genres.

Sarah Trahern, who announced her retirement earlier this year, has led the CMA since 2014. Under her leadership, the association has continued to promote country music worldwide through its annual CMA Fest and the Country Music Association Awards. Trahern’s departure marks the end of a 13‑year tenure that saw the CMA expand its digital presence and strengthen its advocacy for artists.

The CMA’s announcement emphasized the importance of continuity. The organization stated that Schaffer will begin her transition on September 8, 2026, and will assume full responsibilities on January 1, 2027. The CMA Board will oversee the transition to ensure a smooth handover of leadership duties.

Industry observers note that Schaffer’s blend of academic leadership and industry experience positions her to bridge the gap between music education and the commercial sector. Her work at Belmont has already fostered partnerships with record labels, streaming services, and publishing companies, and her Spotify background suggests she is well‑versed in the evolving digital landscape.

The CMA’s choice follows a broader trend in the music business, where organizations are seeking leaders who understand both the creative and commercial sides of the industry. Schaffer’s experience in entertainment law, partnership strategy, and higher education aligns with the CMA’s mission to promote and develop country music.

No immediate policy changes have been announced, and the CMA has stated that it will continue its existing programs and initiatives during the transition period. The association’s next steps include finalizing the transition plan and preparing for Schaffer’s official start date in January 2027.

In summary, the CMA has named Brittany Schaffer its next CEO, with a transition beginning in September 2026 and full assumption of duties on January 1, 2027. The organization will maintain its current operations while preparing for the leadership change.