Sarah Trahern Honored with Belmont University’s Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence

CMA CEO recognized for industry leadership and lasting commitment to Belmont University and Nashville community

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 14, 2026) – Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business presented the 2026 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence to Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, during a ceremony before the University's annual Best of the Best Showcase.

The award, established in 2008 in memory of music business program founder Bob Mulloy, annually recognizes an individual who has achieved excellence in the music business and entertainment industries while demonstrating notable service to Belmont University and the Nashville community.

Since taking the helm at CMA in 2014, Trahern has led one of the most recognized organizations in the music industry through a period of significant growth. She oversees the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, CMA Country Christmas, and serves as president of the CMA Foundation, which funds music education initiatives across the country. Her leadership has earned consistent recognition, including Billboard's "Executive of the Year" in 2017 and the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award from the Grand Ole Opry in 2024. Her commitment to the people behind the music has been equally defining. Most recently, the CMA committed $3 million to Belmont's Center for Mental Health in Entertainment, a first-of-its-kind initiative addressing mental health research, education and resources across the industry. A member of Belmont's Board of Trustees, Trahern has brought that same investment to shaping the University's future.

"I have watched her impact firsthand and am proud to call her both a mentor and a friend," said Brittany Schaffer, dean of the Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. "There was not a doubt in my mind who should receive this year's honor."

Belmont University President Greg Jones presented the award during the pre-show reception.

"Her impact on the music industry and growth of the CMA under her leadership is remarkable," said Jones. "The generations of students aspiring to lead in the music industry, both on stage and behind the scenes, have Sarah to thank for so many past, present and future opportunities."

"To be included among the extraordinary individuals who have received this recognition — people who helped shape the sound and business and spirit of the industry — is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” said Trahern. “What makes this so special is the setting tonight. It is about the next generation. It's about students stepping into their moment, finding their voice, and beginning to build what the future of music will look like. There's nothing more energizing and hopeful than being in a room like this.”

Trahern joins a distinguished list of past recipients including Vince Gill, Gordon Kennedy, Doug Howard, Troy Tomlinson, Donna Hilley, Mike Curb and John Zarling, among others.

The ceremony took place during a pre-show reception before Belmont's Best of the Best Showcase, a 25-year student-led tradition that has launched the careers of artists including Hailey Whitters, Brad Paisley, Ashley Cooke, Josh Turner, Judah and the Lion and Bren Joy.

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