Warner Music Nashville head John Esposito completes his term as CMA Board Chair with the year's end, and current Board President (and Ryman VP/GM) Sally Williams will step into the job, with Fitzgerald Hartley Co. partner assuming the Prexy post. BMI's Jody Williams becomes President-Elect and Townsquare Media SVP Kurt Johnson is tapped as Secretary/Treasurer.

“It has been my great honor to serve as Chairman of the CMA Board,” said Esposito. “It has been an especially great thrill to have served on this historic 50^th Anniversary of the CMA Awards. Working with this Board and the great people who serve on it has been a major highlight of my career. I look forward to continuing to remain very active with CMA in other capacities. The Board is in great hands with Sally Williams as the incoming Chairman. She will further the mission of this organization.”

“2016 was a monumental year for CMA. We celebrated a half century of Country Music with a brilliant 50^th Anniversary Awards broadcast and the groundbreaking ‘Forever Country’ song and video. Hats off to John Esposito, Sarah Trahern, and the entire CMA staff for exceeding all expectations,” said Williams. “The stage certainly is set for Country Music to enjoy growth not only domestically but also internationally. I’m excited about collaborating with Bill Simmons, Jody Williams, and the rest of the Board as we continue to work toward that vital goal.”

Everyone then spent a lovely afternoon strolling around Chris Stapleton's beard.