Country Music Association Names Brittany Schaffer as Next CEO, Succeeding Sarah Trahern
By
Chris Willman
Summary
The Country Music Association has appointed Brittany Schaffer as its next CEO, effective January 1, 2027. Schaffer, currently a dean at Belmont University and a former top executive in Spotify's country music operations, will succeed Sarah Trahern, who announced her retirement in January 2025 after 13 years leading the organization. The CMA describes the transition as a strategic plan to ensure continuity among staff, board, and members.
Source
VarietyCountry Music Association Names Brittany Schaffer as Next CEO, Succeeding Sarah Trahernvariety.comKey quotes
· 4 pulledThe Country Music Association announced Wednesday that Brittany Schaffer will be its next CEO.
Schaffer, presently a dean at Belmont University and formerly a top exec in Spotify's country operations, will succeed current CMA head Sarah Trahern as of Jan. 1, 2027.
Trahern, who has led the organization for 13 years, announced her intention to retire on Jan. 14 of this year.
In what the CMA is calling a 'strategic transition plan ensuring continuity CMA's staff, board and members,' Schaffer will officially take the helm in 2027.
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