Belmont University Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business Dean Brittany Schaffer has been named CEO of the Country Music Association, succeeding the retiring Sarah Trahern. Schaffer joins CMA Sept. 8 and transitions to CEO Jan. 1 following Trahern's departure (Breaking News 1/14/2026).

"Our search committee set out to find a leader who understands the responsibility of representing this industry, not just the opportunity of it," says CMA Board Chair Jay Williams. "We met with an exceptional group of candidates, and we believe Brittany is exactly the leader to carry this organization into its next era, and to make sure country music's influence continues to expand well beyond Nashville."

"Country music meets people where they are, and it changes lives every day," says Schaffer. "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. Sarah Trahern will leave CMA and this community stronger than she found it. I'm grateful for her mentorship and friendship, and for a transition marked by the same professionalism and intentionality that defined her tenure. Together with CMA's talented staff and members, we'll build on that foundation."

Schaffer joined Belmont three years ago (CAT 3/13/2023) after more than five years as Head/Artist & Label Partnerships at Spotify. Prior to that, she was an entertainment attorney at Loeb & Loeb.