CMA CEO Sarah Trahern is retiring at the end of the year. "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," she says. "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 transitioned from Great American Country (GAC), where she served as SVP/GM, to the CMA in 2014 (CAT 11/12/13). The Board of Directors has formed a search committee and retained an independent executive search firm, Buffkin Baker. Additional details regarding the search, including how and when potential candidates may be considered, will be announced in February.
Swamp Meet: Valory's Preston Cooper (c) with WTGE/Baton Rouge's Jimmy Brooks, Bri Lynn and Brittany Rose, and the label's Chris Waters (l-r) during a station visit.
Wife Style: Stoney Creek's Atlus (c) with WPOC/Baltimore and WMZQ/Washington D.C.'s Jeff Kapugi and wife Laurie.
Signage: Singer/songwriter Julianna Rankin (c) commemorates her Big Loud Texas signing with the label's Jon Randall and Miranda Lambert, Red Light's Allie Sisoian and the label's Brendon Anthony.
Select Group: Columbia/Records Nashville's Ty Myers celebrates the gold certification of The Select and platinum certification of “Thought It Was Love.” Pictured (l-r) are Starstruck's Narvel Blackstock, Records Nashville's Barry Weiss, Myers and Records Nashville's Andrew Saltman and Joe Fisher.
Tour de Nance: Santa Anna/Akando's Tyler Nance (in hat) with the label's JC Coffey and WWKA/Orlando's Steve Stewart and Melissa Quinones (l-r).
Signage: Singer/songwriter Adam Doleac signs with Peermusic. Pictured (l-r) are the company's Michael Knox, Doleac and the company's Jenny Hall and Matt Michiels.
Tennessee Pink: Columbia's Megan Moroney (r) with Backstage Country's Elaina Smith.
Omen At Work: Nashville Harbor's Caroline Jones with KWNR/Las Vegas' MoJoe Roberts.
iHeart Of Stone: Stoney Creek's Jelly Roll (in hat) with iHeartMedia's Jeff Kapugi, Alissa Pollack and Rob Kruz (l-r).