Brittany Schaffer will succeed retiring CEO Sarah Trahern following a leadership transition at the Country Music Association (CMA).
What We Know: CMA has named Brittany Schaffer as its next CEO, with the dean of Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business set to join the organization on Sept. 8. She’ll officially assume the CEO role on January 1st after Sarah Trahern retires. Schaffer arrived at Belmont three years ago after more than five years leading Artist & Label Partnerships at Spotify. Before that, she practiced as an entertainment attorney at Loeb & Loeb. The appointment gives CMA a leader with experience spanning higher education, streaming, artist relations, and entertainment law as the organization prepares for its next chapter.
What They Said: “Our search committee set out to find a leader who understands the responsibility of representing this industry, not just the opportunity of it. 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.” –CMA Board Chair Jay Williams
“Country music meets people where they are, and it changes lives every day. 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.” –Brittany Schaffer
What Remains Unclear: CMA hasn’t detailed Schaffer’s immediate strategic priorities once she assumes the CEO role. Additionally, the organization hasn’t outlined whether leadership changes or new initiatives will accompany the transition following Trahern’s departure.
What It Means: Schaffer’s appointment signals CMA’s interest in blending traditional country music leadership with experience across streaming, education, and the broader entertainment business. As a result, her background could help the organization strengthen artist relationships while expanding country music’s reach beyond its traditional platforms and audiences.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.