KEYNOTE
Sarah Trahern

Sarah Trahern was named CEO of the Country Music Association, the premier trade association of the Country Music industry, in 2014. With foresight and determination, she has crafted a brand identity for country music and has been at the forefront of some of the industry’s most intentional and strategic initiatives.

 

With a new, robust CMA membership structure in place beginning March 2023, Sarah oversees CMA's efforts to act as a critical resource for information, a pipeline for individuals across every aspect of the music business and a community partner committed to fostering collaboration and conversation. She also helms the organization’s three acclaimed network television properties, one of the biggest music festivals in the world, and serves as President of the CMA Foundation.

 

Sarah has been instrumental in maintaining and fostering CMA’s relationship with its broadcast partner, ABC, the network home of the CMA Awards, “CMA Country Christmas” and “CMA Fest.” Trahern is consistently included on various Billboard lists and has been honored by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville Business Journal, CRB and NMPA.