The following list shows all recipients of the Country Music Association's (CMA) Founding President's Award,[1] instituted as the Connie B. Gay Award. The award was established in 1963, as an honor of high prestige in recognition of the most outstanding service to the CMA by a member not currently serving as an officer or director.[2] Connie B. Gay, co-founder and first president of the CMA funded the award with his personal assets and established a trust, in his will, to ensure the perpetual viability of this award beyond his lifetime.[2]