Brittany Schaffer Set to Lead Country Music Association as CEO in 2027

Brittany Schaffer has been appointed CEO of the Country Music Association, succeeding Sarah Trahern in January 2027. The two are currently co-leading the organization to ensure a smooth transition, with plans to continue growing the CMA's influence both domestically and internationally while adapting to the evolving music landscape. Looking out over Broadway Avenue from the offices of the Country Music Association in Nashville, Tenn. , newly appointed CEO Brittany Schaffer can't help but marvel at how far the genre has come in her lifetime - and how far the CMA, too, has grown. "I'm a child of the '80s," says the 46-year-old executive. "I can remember the days when you drove up Broadway and it was mostly boarded-up buildings and just maybe Tootsie's and the Stage were open, and you could see a concert at the Coliseum for $10 if they weren't sold out. Now, you look down here and you see all of the neon lights, all the stages, all the fans - and that's a good thing. And we're proud to be a part of that. "Schaffer, who previously worked at streaming service Spotify and law firm Loeb & Loeb's Nashville office, is now sitting in one of the most pivotal seats in the industry: the head of the CMA, the nonprofit that oversees country's most prestigious awards, the CMAs, as well as the massive CMA Festival in June. She's taking over from Sarah Trahern, who announced her retirement after 10 years in the position, though Schaffer won't formally start until January 2027. For the next few months, the two will work side-by-side to ensure a smooth transition - a luxury Trahern didn't have when she took the job in 2014. "One of the gifts that I hope Brittany and I are jointly giving the organization is this peaceful transition time," says Trahern, who is now 66. "We're divvying up responsibilities so she can start to take the lead on future-looking initiatives while I focus on finishing what I've started. "Those initiatives range from securing a new broadcast deal (the current contract expires in 2025) to navigating the CMA's move to a new stadium for its annual festival, CMA Fest, which attracts hundreds of thousands of fans. "The CMA is an umbrella organization that represents the entire country music industry," Schaffer explains. "We want to make sure we're supporting the growth of the genre, but also being mindful of where our audiences are - whether that's streaming, social media, or international markets. "Schaffer's varied background - including her recent role as dean of Belmont University's music business college - gives her a unique perspective. "I've seen how rapidly the industry transforms," she says. "At Spotify, I watched as streaming became the dominant force. Now, we're talking about AI and other emerging technologies. The key is to stay flexible and ensure we're connecting with fans in ways that resonate. "Trahern adds that Schaffer's legal background is invaluable: "The country music ecosystem is built on relationships and contracts. Having someone who understands that machinery from the inside ensures we're not just chasing trends but building sustainable growth. "Under Trahern's leadership, the CMA successfully navigated the pandemic, securing a multi-year partnership with Hulu for the CMAs and diversifying revenue streams through merchandise and digital content. She also expanded the CMA's international reach - a priority Schaffer plans to continue. "Country music is resonating globally more than ever," Schaffer notes. "We need to work closely with our international partners to understand what works locally and how we can amplify that. "As for the future of the CMAs themselves, Trahern says the goal remains simple: "We want to be the most anticipated event in country music, regardless of where it airs. We're not here to be cool or hip - we're here to be impactful. We want fans to tune in because they know it's where the stars shine, and the music matters. "With Schaffer at the helm starting in 2027, the CMA is poised to enter a new chapter - one that embraces modern media while staying true to the roots that make country music special. "I'm honored to carry this torch," Schaffer says. "We have an incredible team, and I'm excited to see what we can accomplish together.