Former CMA Executive Director Jo Walker-Meador Dies At 93

Jo Walker-Meador Passes

ALL ACCESS is sad to report the passing of longtime COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA) Executive Director JO WALKER-MEADOR today (8/16), following a stroke. She was 93.

WALKER-MEADOR was the organization's first full-time member, starting as an office manager in the late 50s. She went on lead the CMA for 29 years, retiring in 1991. During her leadership, the organization grew in size and influence. WALKER-MEADOR oversaw creation of the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM, the CMA AWARDS, and FAN FAIR, which has since evolved into CMA FAN FEST.

In 1994, the CMA created the JO WALKER-MEADOR Award, recognizing outstanding achievement by an individual or organization in supporting and advocating for Country music outside the UNITED STATES. WALKER-MEADOR was inducted into the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME in 1995. No information on services has been released.

Current CMA CEO SARAH TRAHERN issued the following statement, shortly after news of WALKER-MEADOR's passing. "JO was a champion for Country music around the world and a groundbreaker for women in the entertainment business. On a personal note, I will miss her guidance, humor, and friendship. She was the first meeting I set up before I took this job. She taught me lessons in how to gracefully navigate the Board. She was always diplomatic in her storytelling, and she had some great ones to share. Over the last six months, she was a little more candid, and I always looked forward to our time together. She will be greatly missed by all. My heart is broken.”

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