CMA, in partnership with independent executive search firm Buffkin Baker, has opened applications for their next Chief Executive Officer, following Sarah Trahern‘s retirement. Trahern will retire at the end of this year, and will help with a smooth transition of leadership.

The CMA Board of Directors have formed a search committee, which will work with Buffkin Baker to review all applicants’ resumes. All applications will be treated with complete discretion and kept in strict confidence during the search process. Any questions about the position can be sent here.

The CEO will be responsible for making organizational decisions, managing overall operations and working with the Board of Directors to establish the organization’s strategic direction. The CEO should exhibit tenacity, engagement and passion for furthering CMA’s mission to heighten the awareness of Country Music and support its on-going growth, both domestically and internationally. They also serve as the public face of the organization and represent CMA in the community. This position is based in Nashville, TN.

A full summary of the position, essential functions and qualifications, can be found here.

CRS has revealed the lineup for “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” at CRS 2026. Parker McCollum will headline this year’s showcase, with additional performances from Max McNown, Cater Faith and Zach John King.

“‘Country Heat’ has always been about championing the artists shaping where country music is headed next,” says Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Global Head of Country Music at Amazon Music. “Bringing Parker, Max, Carter, and Zach together for CRS reflects the strength and diversity of the genre today. We’re excited to give fans and the industry the opportunity to experience these artists in an intimate setting during one of country music’s most important weeks.”

Country Heat is Amazon Music’s flagship country music brand, bringing the “Country Heat” playlist, the Country Heat Weekly podcast, and live events. Country Heat showcases today’s biggest hits while spotlighting developing artists.

The Amazon Music Country Heat CRS Showcase will take place on March 18 from 6:00–8:30 p.m. in the Broadway Performance Hall at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

ASCAP has announced its revenue collections and royalty distributions for 2025, sharing that the PRO delivered a record-breaking $1.945 billion in revenue in the calendar year, an increase of $110 million, or 6.0% over 2024 with $1.759 billion available for royalty distributions to its ASCAP music creator and publisher members, an increase of $63 million, or 3.7%.

This is the highest amount of revenue and royalty distributions ever reported by ASCAP. ASCAP operates without debt and has the lowest overhead rate in the US at 10%. As the only US PRO not owned by private equity or outside investors, ASCAP’s songwriter, composer and publisher members are the sole beneficiaries of ASCAP’s financial growth.

ASCAP delivers 90 cents of every dollar collected back to its members as royalties and does not charge a commission or take a profit. Instead, according to its unique governance and operating principles, after deducting expenses, ASCAP then distributes remaining dollars as royalties to its songwriter, composer and music publisher members. Read the full ASCAP 2025 Annual Report here.

“ASCAP remains a powerful advocate for creators facing an increasingly uncertain economy and rapidly shifting music landscape. While creators are under attack globally by disruptive technologies and opportunistic private businesses, ASCAP’s sole focus is to serve our members. We deliver on that mission every single day,” says ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.

ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams shares, “ASCAP once again delivered historic record-breaking revenues and distributions. We showed the world that our fierce commitment to putting creators first is our number one imperative. Songwriters know they belong at ASCAP and that we always have their back.”

In addition to this news, ASCAP also announced that it has launched a new virtual care offering as part of its ASCAP Wellness Program, which includes a broad range of health and well-being benefits provided exclusively to its members. Through a collaboration with MD Live by Evernorth, a leading provider of virtual health care services in the U.S., ASCAP members and their eligible dependents can engage in virtual visits with board-certified MD Live clinicians for mental health, dermatology, or 24/7 urgent care—all at discounted pricing.

“We know that health and wellness are foundational to creative work and longevity in our industry, but many music creators struggle to access and afford health insurance,” says ASCAP Chief Strategy and Digital Officer Nick Lehman. “That is why it’s important for us to launch this service for our members, providing easy access to high-quality care at very reasonable costs – regardless if they have insurance or not. As the only truly creator-first PRO in the US, our commitment to our members is to support them with the resources they need to be at their creative best.”

MD Live has a national network of board-certified doctors, pediatricians, dermatologists, psychiatrists and therapists who provide personalized care for medical and mental health needs. ASCAP members can sign up for access to MD Live virtual care services through the ASCAP Member Access portal.

“Virtual care is a huge benefit for people with busy lives who want to stay on top of their health,” shares Vontrelle Roundtree, MD, MPT, Associate Chief Medical Officer, MD Live. “By connecting with doctors via phone or video calls, we can empower ASCAP members to take control of their health without sacrificing convenience.”

BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and NHRE’s Jimmy Harnen and Ryan Dokke presented BMI’s Riley Green with No. 1 plaques for “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way,” along with a Gold plaque for “Change My Mind,” his current single and fastest-rising track at country radio to date. They also announced that “Worst Way” is now certified 3X Platinum by the RIAA. ; Photo Credit: Larry McCormack for BMI

BMI brought Riley Green and his team together on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 11) to celebrate the artist’s historic back-to-back No. 1 hits, “Worst Way” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Industry members, friends, and family gathered in the BMI lobby and received a warm welcome from BMI’s Clay Bradley. Gathered on stage were Green and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Scott Borchetta and Jimmy Harnen.

Bradley began by highlighting the rare nature of the achievement, noting that Green is the first country artist to land consecutive solo-written No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart since Taylor Swift.

“This marks the first time a country artist has landed back to back solo written number one singles on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Since Ms. Taylor Swift, I think someone else here had something to do with that as well that deserves a big hand,” said Bradley. “Riley has accomplished what very few have ever done. He wrote two number one songs entirely by himself. That’s not just a milestone, it’s a reminder of a lost art form.”

Warner Chappell’s Jessi Vaughn Stevenson was the next to step to the mic, recalling a moment at a previous party where she predicted this very moment. “Most of you will not remember this, but a few years ago at the ‘Different Round Here,’ No. 1 party, I stood upstairs and I told Riley in front of his co-writers on the song that I really, really love his solo written songs even more,” laughed Stevenson. “Watching your live show, growing to what it is, hearing your songwriting continue to level up and seeing the shift from rising star to one of the most in-demand artists in the format, it’s been really incredible.”

Pictured: L to R: MusicRow‘s John Nix Arledge, Riley Green, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson; Photo: Larry McCormack

Studio Bank’s Ron Cox also took a moment to highlight Green’s Buford Bonds Charitable Fund, an organization founded by Green to honor his grandfathers and serve the needs of veterans. In honor of the two No. 1s, Studio Bank made a donation to the fund.

Before Green spoke, Borchetta and Harnen praised his work ethic and authenticity. Harnen reminded everyone that both singles were certified Platinum before even reaching the top of the radio charts, and Borchetta said Green was the “epitome of Southern culture.”

The producer of the two tracks, Dann Huff, was unable to attend, but was praised by Bradley as “The Maestro” for his work in the studio. “Dan Huff the Maestro, is arranging and producing these records. They sound amazing,” Bradley said.

Finally, Green closed the afternoon out, offering his gratitude to his team, his parents, and his fans.

“I wanna thank all my co-writers for … oh nevermind….” joked Green. “I figured out you get even more if you write it by yourself. It’s easier that way. You don’t have to deal with a bunch of people in the room!”

Green then thanked collaborator Ella Langley for her part on “Don’t Mind If I Do.” “It was such a cool thing to have two giant songs with another artist out on the road and being able to play it together every week,” said Green.

“Something like this is really motivating. I think that as a songwriter it’s nice to have some type of recognition and get a pat on the shoulder from all of you and say what you’re doing is working.”