Jan 15, 2026 - Music

CMA chief Sarah Trahern to retire

Nate Rau

CMA chief Sarah Trahern — Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images

Sarah Trahern, the longtime CEO of the Country Music Association, will retire from influential post at the end of the year.

Why it matters: Heading the CMA is one of the most vital jobs in country music.

In 12 years on the job, Trahern oversaw explosive growth of the genre and the steady success of institutions such as the CMA Awards and CMA Fest.

Zoom in: In addition to the commercial might of country music and the economic power of CMA Fest, Trahern continued the organization's philanthropic commitment to music education.

The CMA Foundation has invested more than $30 million in music education programs.

What she's saying: "I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished together in service of this industry and its people, and deeply grateful for the community that makes country music what it is," Trahern said in a press release.

What's next: The CMA's board of directors formed a search committee to find Trahern's successor.

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CMA chief Sarah Trahern to retire

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