They wanted to promote country music in the western 13 states with the support of artists based on the West Coast.

This is evidenced by the early awards shows being dominated by Bakersfield artists Buck and Bonnie Owens, and Merle Haggard.

Due to the convergence of country and western music into one genre in the late 20th century, the Academy and the Association no longer have a significant distinction in the artists each organization promotes and recognizes.

Then they moved their annual TV awards broadcasts to Las Vegas, Nevada while maintaining an office space in Encino, California.

Under the leadership of CEO Damon Whiteside the Academy moved its office space to Nashville, Tennessee and closed its West Coast Presence.