The Country Music Association announced on July 8, 2026, that Brittany Schaffer will become its next chief executive officer, effective Jan.
1, 2027.
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Schaffer, a Nashville music industry veteran, will join the organization on Sept. 8, 2026, as part of a strategic transition plan.
She succeeds Sarah Trahern, who announced her retirement earlier this year after leading the CMA for 13 years.
Background and Experience
Schaffer comes to the CMA from Belmont University, where she served as Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business.
At Belmont, she oversaw the 90,000-square-foot Curb College expansion on Music Row and helped establish the Center for Mental Health in Entertainment.
Her previous roles include entertainment attorney at Loeb & Loeb LLP and head of artist and label partnerships in Nashville for Spotify.
“Country Music meets people where they are, and it changes lives every day,” Schaffer said.
“That starts with songwriters and artists and everyone who carries this music to fans around the world. Serving them is the honor of a lifetime.”
Schaffer praised Trahern’s leadership, saying she leaves the organization stronger than she found it.
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“Together with CMA’s talented staff and members, we’ll build on that foundation,” Schaffer added.
“We’ll reinforce the connectivity within this community, bring renewed energy to our signature events, and find new ways to connect country music with fans around the world.”
