Brittany Schaffer To Head The Country Music Association

Brittany Schaffer has been named the next CEO of the Country Music Association, succeeding Sarah Trahern as part of a planned leadership transition. Schaffer will join the CMA on Sept. 8 and officially assume the role on Jan. 1, 2027. 

She currently serves as Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont University. Before academia, she worked for more than a decade as an entertainment attorney at Loeb & Loeb LLP and later as Head of Artist & Label Partnerships, Nashville at Spotify, where she developed strategy for Country, Christian/Gospel, and Americana genres and built key industry relationships.

Brittany Schaffer

“Country Music meets people where they are, and it changes lives every day,” Schaffer said. “Serving songwriters, artists, and everyone who carries this music to fans around the world is the honor of a lifetime. I’m grateful for Sarah Trahern’s mentorship and look forward to building on her foundation by reinforcing connectivity within the community, energizing our signature events, and connecting Country Music with new fans globally.”

Trahern, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 13 years leading the organization, praised the transition process.

“Leading this organization for 13 years has been the honor of my life,” Trahern said. “I’m grateful to our search committee for their care and integrity, and I wish Brittany every success.”

CMA Board Chairman Jay Williams said the search focused on finding a leader who understands the responsibility of representing the industry.

“We believe Brittany is exactly the leader to carry this organization into its next era and ensure Country Music’s influence continues to expand well beyond Nashville,” Williams said.