Rob Mills Receives 2024 CMA Founding President’s Award

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Pictured (L–R): Sarah Trahern, Luke Bryan, Rob Mills, Lainey Wilson, Peyton Manning
and Robert Deaton. Photo: Drew Noble/CMA

Walt Disney Television’s EVP, Unscripted & Alternative Entertainment Rob Mills received the 2024 CMA Founding President’s Award, created in honor of Connie B. Gay, yesterday (Nov. 19) during rehearsals for the 58th annual CMA Awards in Nashville.

This year’s CMA Awards hosts Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson joined CMA CEO Sarah Trahern and CMA Awards Executive Producer Robert Deaton to surprise Mills with the news. He has been a key voice in CMA’s long-standing relationship with ABC. Through CMA’s partnership with ABC and across a broader content landscape, including Hulu and Disney+, Mills seeks to promote the genre by aiding in creating unique and dynamic avenues to bring country music to audiences everywhere.

“The CMA Founding President’s Award, determined by our Board of Directors, celebrates individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and service to CMA,” says Trahern. “Over the past decade, Rob’s outstanding leadership has been instrumental to the growth and success of CMA’s television properties. As we look forward to our next decade of collaboration, we are grateful to have a partner who not only champions country music, but also continuously seeks innovative opportunities within the network to elevate our genre.”

The longtime television executive first joined the Alternative division in 2003, and oversees unscripted development and current production for ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals, including American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, The Bachelor franchise, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Kardashians, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and more. He has also shepherded numerous high-profile network events.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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