Academy of Country Music

SITUATION OVERVIEW:

ZRG Partners is proud to partner with the Academy of Country Music in their search for a Chief Executive Officer. For more details about this opportunity, please view the position profile by clicking on the cover image below.

ABOUT THE ACM:

MISSION

In the half century since its inception, the Academy of Country Music has grown from a regional Southern California trade organization to a national powerhouse with its sights set on a higher purpose – improving lives by connecting fans, artists and the industry. Today, the ACM is dedicated more than ever to promoting new artists, artists on the rise and established superstars, while supporting the good work of charitable causes nationwide through ACM Lifting Lives.

HISTORY OF THE ACADEMY

Founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, the Country and Western Music Academy was established by a passionate group of industry insiders, including performer Tommy Wiggins, songwriter Eddie Miller, and club owners Mickey and Chris Christensen, who joined forces with fellow performers, radio personalities, and record label executives to create an organization dedicated to the genre they loved. Their founding vision was to promote Country Music across the western 13 states and champion West Coast-based artists like Glen Campbell, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Roger Miller, among others. A formal Board of Directors was established the following year in 1965, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential organizations in music history.

The late 1960s brought several significant milestones. In 1968, the Academy introduced its now-iconic "hat" trophy, which remains one of the most recognizable symbols in Country Music today. That same year, Fran Boyd was brought on as the Academy's first paid employee, beginning a remarkable association with the organization that would span decades. As the genre's popularity grew beyond regional boundaries, the Academy renamed itself the Academy of Country Music (ACM) in the early 1970s, reflecting its broader national ambitions.

Leadership has played a central role in shaping the ACM's trajectory. Fran Boyd stepped into the executive director role in 1995 following the passing of her husband, Bill Boyd, and her 34 years of service left an indelible mark on the organization. She was succeeded by concert promoter and longtime Board member Bob Romeo, who led the ACM for 12 years, followed by Former Grand Ole Opry General Manager Pete Fisher from 2016 to 2018. In January 2020, marketing executive Damon Whiteside took over as CEO, bringing a fresh vision centered on television, digital innovation, stronger board involvement, staff growth, and deeper service to the industry.

ACM LIFTING LIVES

Beyond its celebrated awards show and entertainment programming, the Academy has long recognized its responsibility to give back. ACM Lifting Lives is the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, dedicated to improving lives through the power of music. Through partnerships with artists and strong ties across the Country Music industry, ACM Lifting Lives funds national music health programs and supports members of the music community facing unexpected hardships through its Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund. With generous donations from artists and fans, the organization has funded music therapy programs serving patients at children's hospitals, recovering veterans, people with Williams syndrome, and individuals living with mental illness. The Academy of Country Music and ACM Lifting Lives share a long history of charitable giving, and since 2006, ACM Lifting Lives has contributed more than $12 million to more than 150 worthy causes.

HISTORY OF THE ACM AWARDS

The ACM hosted its first official Country Music awards show in 1966, becoming the first major organization to spotlight the genre on a national stage. The show made its television debut in 1972 on ABC, and by 1979 the Academy had partnered with Dick Clark Productions to produce it, with the show eventually migrating from NBC to CBS and finally to Prime Video, where it streams today.

For decades, Los Angeles served as home to the ACM Awards, but in 2003 the show relocated to Las Vegas, settling first at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino before moving to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in 2006. The 50th anniversary show in 2015 marked a bold move to AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where more than 70,000 fans packed the house, selling out in just 18 minutes and earning a Guinness World Record as the most attended live awards show ever. The Academy returned to Las Vegas the following year.

Then came 2020. With the 55th ACM Awards sold out and ready to go in Las Vegas, the pandemic forced the show's first-ever postponement. The ACM pivoted to Nashville, bringing the ceremony to three of Country Music's most hallowed venues: the Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium, and The Bluebird Cafe. Dubbed A Night of Heart and Hits, the intimate show was a celebration of music and resilience. The 56th Awards continued in Nashville, expanding to additional iconic locations across the city, with Keith Urban and Mickey Guyton serving as hosts.

The 57th ACM Awards marked another historic moment, streaming live and exclusively from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, making it the first major awards show to go commercial-free and livestream only. Dolly Parton hosted alongside Gabby Barrett and Jimmie Allen. In 2023, the 58th Awards returned to Texas, with Parton back for a second consecutive year and Garth Brooks making his awards show hosting debut.

The 59th ACM Awards returned to Frisco, Texas, with Reba McEntire taking the helm and delivering record success through bold, out-of-genre collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa, Noah Kahan, and Post Malone. Last year, the Academy hosted its landmark 60th anniversary show, from Ford Center at The Star, once again hosted by Reba, who made history with her 18th time at the podium.

The Academy is gearing up to host their 61st ACM Awards show, this year returning to Las Vegas after three successful years in Texas. Taking place from the world-renowned MGM Grand Garden Arena, the award celebration will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Sunday, May 17, 2026, continuing the groundbreaking legacy of the ACM Awards as the first-ever major awards show to livestream exclusively.

FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

It is with genuine excitement and a great deal of optimism that I write to you today regarding the search for the next Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Country Music. As someone who has had the privilege of serving on the ACM Board of Directors for over eight years, I can say with full confidence that this is an extraordinary moment — not only for the Academy, but for the entire country music community — and we are looking for an extraordinary leader to help shape what comes next.

The Academy of Country Music has always been more than an awards show or an industry organization. It is a home — a gathering place for the artists, creators, professionals, and fans who make up the heartbeat of country music. That mission is something I hold deeply personal, and it is why I have invested so many years in service to this Board. Country music is one of the most dynamic and resilient sectors across all of music, and the ACM sits at the very center of that story, positioned to grow alongside it in ways we are only beginning to imagine.

What excites me most about this search is the opportunity to welcome a visionary who will bring fresh eyes and bold ideas to a foundation that is already strong. The right Chief Executive Officer will not simply maintain what the Academy has built — they will challenge us, inspire us, and help us reach new audiences, forge new partnerships, and reimagine how the ACM serves the broader industry. I am genuinely eager to see what innovative thinking and strategic vision a new leader will bring to the table.

Country music's momentum across all music sectors — streaming, touring, festival culture, international markets, and beyond — has never been stronger. The ACM has a unique and powerful platform to champion that growth and to ensure that the artists, songwriters, and industry professionals who drive it are supported, celebrated, and given the tools to thrive. I believe our next Chief Executive Officer will recognize both the weight of that responsibility and the incredible opportunity it represents.

If you are someone who is passionate about the future of country music, who thinks boldly, leads with purpose, and is ready to step into one of the most meaningful roles in this industry — I hope you will seriously consider this opportunity. The Board is united in our enthusiasm for what this next chapter holds, and we look forward to welcoming a leader who shares that vision.

Thank you for your consideration, and I truly look forward to what is ahead for the Academy of Country Music.

— Becky Gardenhire, Board Member, Academy of Country Music

POSITION:

The Academy of Country Music seeks a visionary, results-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the music industry's most iconic organizations, leading with bold strategy, deep industry relationships, and an unwavering commitment to the artists and fans at the heart of country music.

The CEO will serve as the primary architect of ACM's growth, forging and deepening partnerships across the artist community, industry stakeholders, media partners, and fan base while overseeing all business operations with precision and purpose. A commanding presence across the entertainment landscape, this leader will elevate the ACM's profile, champion its mission, and build the coalitions necessary to drive meaningful impact.

Equally entrepreneurial and operational, the ideal candidate will identify and aggressively pursue new revenue streams, translate strategic vision into measurable outcomes, and position the Academy for sustained relevance and long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

The Chief Executive Officer will

• collaborate with the Board to evaluate current strategies, define future direction, and implement needed changes; and
• build credibility across the organization by delivering effective solutions and ensuring accountability to the Board.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Chief Executive Officer will

• review organizational and personnel structures to ensure key talent can drive strategy, growth, and expansion across artists, industry, and fans; and
• recruit, mentor, motivate, and retain high-performing professionals by transferring knowledge, monitoring performance, and providing timely, constructive feedback.

OPERATIONS & POLICY

The Chief Executive Officer will

• develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures through systems that improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the Academy; and
• manage all financial operations and reporting with the support of staff, finance committee, and Board, providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports, and trends.

MEDIA, TECHNOLOGY & PARTNERSHIPS

The Chief Executive Officer will

• oversee the ACM's evolution toward a digital-first, year-round content organization that engages fans and creates value for partners beyond the annual Awards cycle;
• evaluate opportunities to expand the ACM's media footprint, including additional specials, digital-first programming, branded content, short-form content, and year-round storytelling that meaningfully drives revenue;
• manage and deepen the current streaming distribution partnership to capture maximum value through the current agreement and position the organization favorably for future renewal;
• serve as the ACM’s primary relationship owner and strategic negotiator for all broadcast and distribution agreements, working with the Board to maximize the value of the organization’s intellectual property; and
• drive the producing partner relationship with Penske Media/DCP Productions, fostering a collaborative dynamic that drives creative innovation, elevates production quality, and ensures both organizations are aligned around maximizing the value and reach of ACM properties.

SPONSORSHIP & REVENUE GROWTH

The Chief Executive Officer will

• maintain and grow relationships with the Academy's existing sponsors, deepening activation opportunities and increasing retention and renewal rates across all ACM properties and year-round digital platforms;
• guide and empower the internal and external teams to develop and execute a cohesive, long-term sponsorship strategy that attracts new Fortune 500 and endemic brand partners; and
• anticipate market trends in entertainment and sponsorship to identify and seize new opportunities, supported by ongoing competitive analysis of similar entities across the industry.

COMMUNITY & CHARITABLE INITIATIVES

The Chief Executive Officer will

• provide leadership and expanded funding for the Academy’s non-profit arm, ACM Lifting Lives, and related charitable activities; and
• develop new ways to reinvest in the artist and industry community.

MARKET EXPANSION

The Chief Executive Officer will

• initiate and foster strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to explore new market opportunities and develop new products and services for the industry, negotiating necessary contracts in collaboration with legal counsel and finance leadership.

STAFF LEADERSHIP AND CULTURE

The Chief Executive Officer will

• recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing staff team;
• foster a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture grounded in accountability, respect, and shared purpose; and
• establish clear roles, goals, and performance expectations across the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Academy of Country Music seeks a Chief Executive Officer with

• a minimum 12+ years of senior business management experience, ideally in entertainment, media, or related industries, and preferably, 5+ years in a leadership role;
• experience as a visionary and entrepreneurial leader with a history of driving organizational change, innovation, and revenue growth;
• an ability to conceptualize major projects from initial planning to successful completion with exceptional attention to detail;
• experience successfully building and leading high-performing teams, mentoring emerging talent, and achieving financial and operational objectives;
• a demonstrated ability to lead an organization through a structural or digital pivot, resulting in improved employee retention and operational agility;
• strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar P&Ls, budgets, and complex negotiations across media, sponsorship, or technology sectors;
• a deep understanding of live event production, including ticketing, marketing, sponsorships, and broadcast partnerships;
• experience in overseeing large-scale live events (10k+ attendees) with a focus on optimizing ticketing yield and reducing cost-per-acquisition for attendees;
• an ability to maximize operations and productivity using minimal resources within high standards and strict guidelines;
• an ability to modernize legacy brands, expand audience reach, and integrate emerging media technologies into established business models, and successfully increase relevance among Gen Z and Millennial audiences through innovative content strategies;
• an ability to represent the organization with media outlets and manage high-visibility public relations engagements;
• an ability to be extremely articulate with outstanding interpersonal, writing and public speaking skills;
• an ability to be analytical and innovative, with a strong ability to balance and guide multiple projects simultaneously within established deadlines and budgets;
• experience working with an active Board of Directors, fostering consensus among industry-leading members;
• passion for the entertainment industry and deep appreciation for country music and its culture; and
• familiarity with nonprofit operations and governance.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board of Directors through its Executive Committee and collaborates closely with an active membership of approximately 80 industry leaders. The CEO oversees the Academy’s organizational structure and manages a staff of about 20 professionals through department heads.

The role also requires close coordination with the Academy’s producing partner, DCP Productions, its broadcast partner, and sponsorship agencies. Additionally, the CEO must effectively engage with numerous outside contractors and a broad network of dedicated, passionate volunteers.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is highly competitive, commensurate with experience. The Academy of Country Music currently offers generous bonus, and benefits package will be provided along with appropriate travel & entertainment expense allowances.

LOCATION:

Nashville is the second largest city in Tennessee It is located on the Cumberland River in the north central part of the state. The city is a center for the music, healthcare, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home to numerous colleges and universities.

Nashville is a prospering city that offers a high quality of living in a low-cost business environment. Nashville’s cost of doing business is 88.5% of the national average. The state of Tennessee has no personal income tax and the city of Nashville has a low overall tax burden.

Recently, Forbes ranked Nashville as the third best positioned city “to grow and prosper in the coming decade”, No. 6 on its list of the Best Places for Businesses and Careers and as the No. 4 “Brain Magnet” for gains in people with college educations.

Nashville’s current momentum is based, in part, on the plethora of attractive cultural and entertainment options, including:

• In 2025, Nashville was tied the No. 1 on Travel + Leisure's Best Places to Live in the U.S. ranking.
• Ranked as “the nation’s best music scene” by Rolling Stone.
• Successful and well-respected NFL and NHL franchises.
• World-class symphony has received 14 GRAMMY® nominations and seven wins.
• Over 12,000 acres of parks and 12 golf courses.

Nashville has live music of multiple genres being performed every night. With more than 180 recording studios, and 5,000 working musicians, Nashville is clearly “Music City.” Music is the reason that many people come to Nashville, but our two major sports teams, extensive park system, and endless arts and cultural opportunities offer people plenty of reasons to stay.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

The Academy of Country Music will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to the ACM, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of The Academy of Country Music and the responsibilities and competencies presented in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.

To nominate a candidate or inquire about the position, please contact Tom Truitt, Rich Tackenberg, Christopher Wingert, or Anne Johnson.

ABOUT ZRG PARTNERS:

ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies find, hire, and manage talent through its data-driven approach to executive and professional search. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.