Academy of Country Music (ACM) CEO Damon Whiteside is departing in June after six-and-a-half years at the helm. "I believe that I am leaving ACM in a better place with stability and security that will allow the organization to continue to grow and reach new heights," he says. Adds Board Chair Cris Lacy, "Damon’s forward-thinking vision and leadership not only strengthened ACM’s connection to the country music community and industry, but also allowed us to attract new audiences around the world." Whiteside was Chief Marketing Officer at CMA when he joined ACM as CEO in 2019 (CAT 12/2/19). Prior to that, he spent more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company. He will remain CEO through June 30 and then serve as CEO Emeritus for the remainder of the year. The ACM Board of Directors has formed a search committee to identify his successor.