One of the most powerful voices in Nashville’s music business is preparing to step aside.

Sarah Trahern, the longtime CEO of the Country Music Association, will retire at the end of the year, concluding a 12-year tenure that reshaped both the organization and the global profile of country music, the CMA announced.

Trahern, who became CEO in 2014, oversaw a period of significant expansion for the genre. Under her leadership, flagship events such as the CMA Awards, CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas evolved from marquee domestic showcases into internationally recognized cultural touchstones, helping carry country music to audiences well beyond the United States.

In a statement, Trahern described leading CMA as the defining honor of her professional life, noting that her decision to retire follows careful reflection. She said the next chapter will allow her to remain connected to the industry she loves while creating more time for family, personal passions and life outside the spotlight.

Beyond its commercial reach, CMA deepened its commitment to music education during Trahern’s tenure. As president of the CMA Foundation, she championed initiatives that strengthened access to music programs, reinforcing the association’s mission to invest in the next generation of artists and industry leaders.

The CMA Board of Directors has launched a formal search for Trahern’s successor, appointing a search committee and retaining executive search firm Buffin Baker. Additional details about the process are expected to be released in February.

Board Chairman Jay Williams praised Trahern’s lasting impact, calling her leadership transformative for both CMA and the broader country music ecosystem. He said the organization is committed to building on the foundation she leaves behind.

Trahern’s influence reaches far beyond the association itself. She currently serves on multiple boards and advisory groups, including Belmont University, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, Leadership Nashville and the Music City Bowl. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at C-SPAN and The Nashville Network and served as general manager of Great American Country.

As Trahern prepares to pass the mic, her legacy is firmly embedded in the sound, scale and future of country music.