Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern has revealed plans to retire at the end of 2026. Trahern will remain fully engaged in her role as CEO until the end of the year, and will work closely with the CMA’s board of directors and senior leadership to guide the organization into its next chapter.

“Leading the Country Music Association has been the privilege of my career,” Trahern said in a statement. “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. After much reflection, I’ve made the decision to retire and embrace this next chapter of life – one that allows me to remain connected to this industry in ways that continue to inspire me, while also creating space for the people and moments that matter most to me, including time with my husband, Wayne, getting outdoors, and simple nights at home with our dog, Riley.”

Trahern took the lead at CMA in 2014, and during her tenure, she continued the organization’s commitment to supporting the growth of country music genre both stateside and globally, while also spearheading the association’s flagship television properties including the CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas. Trahern also supported the CMA’s commitment to music education through the CMA Foundation, serving as president of the nonprofit arm of the CMA. The CMA Foundation has invested more than $30 million to date in programs to support music teachers and students. A portion of proceeds from each CMA Fest supports the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives.

Prior to her role at CMA, Trahern held roles at C-SPAN, The Nashville Network, and worked as general manager at Great American Country (GAC). Trahern was named as Billboard‘s Country Power Players executive of the year in 2017. In 2024, she was honored with the Bob Kingsley living legend award by the Grand Ole Opry.

The CMA Board of Directors has formed a search committee and retained independent executive search firm Buffkin Baker to facilitate the process to search for Trahern’s successor. Additional details regarding the search will be announced next month.

“While we will deeply miss Sarah’s leadership, we are excited to carry forward the legacy she has established,” Jay Williams, co-head and partner, WME and CMA board chairman, said in a statement. “Sarah leaves behind an indelible mark on both the Country Music Association and the broader industry. Her influence has shaped not only CMA but the future of Country Music itself.”