Brittany Schaffer Takes the Helm as New CEO of CMA

WHO:

Variety - Brittany Schaffer will be the next CEO of the Country Music Association (CMA).

Variety - Sarah Trahern is the current CMA head who will be succeeded by Schaffer.

WHAT:

Variety - Brittany Schaffer is currently a dean at Belmont University and was formerly a top executive in Spotify's country operations.

Billboard - Schaffer will succeed Trahern, who will retire from her role as CMA CEO.

WHEN:

Variety - Brittany Schaffer will officially take over as CEO on Jan. 1, 2027.

Billboard - Sarah Trahern will retire at the end of the year.

WHY:

Variety - Sarah Trahern announced her intention to retire after leading the organization for 13 years.

(UPDATED July 8, 2026 19:27 UTC)

Brittany Schaffer has been named the next CEO of the Country Music Association, set to officially take over on January 1, 2027. She currently serves as a dean at Belmont University and previously held a top executive position in Spotify's country operations, succeeding Sarah Trahern, who will retire at the end of the year after 13 years of leadership. This transition marks a significant change for the CMA as it prepares for a new chapter under Schaffer's guidance.