Dr. Chelsey Green Takes the Helm at the Recording Academy
The Recording Academy has elected Dr. Chelsey Green as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees. She is the first Black woman to hold this top position in the Academy’s 66-year history.
At just 39 years old, Dr. Green also makes her mark as the youngest person ever elected to lead the board. Her official term began on June 1, 2025, following the leadership of Tammy Hurt. This election marks the first time two women have served back-to-back in the Academy’s highest leadership role.
A Dynamic Leader with a Passion for Music and Education
Dr. Green brings more than boardroom experience to the table. She’s an award-winning recording artist, violinist, violist, vocalist, educator, and entrepreneur. As the leader of her ensemble, Chelsey Green and The Green Project, she fuses classical music with jazz, R&B, soul, and funk.
Her 2022 release even landed on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums Chart. Over the years, she’s performed alongside icons like Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, and Kirk Franklin. Beyond the stage, she dedicates her time to teaching at Berklee College of Music and running music education workshops worldwide.
A New Chapter for the Recording Academy’s Board Leadership
Dr. Green steps into this role with a powerful team beside her. Evan Bogart was elected Vice Chair, while Jennifer Blakeman was named Secretary/Treasurer. Outgoing Chair Tammy Hurt, who made her own history as the first openly LGBTQ+ officer, now holds the honorary title of Chair Emeritus.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. praised the newly elected officers, saying:
“Their passion and expertise will help us push the Academy forward and create meaningful change for our community.”
The board’s role is crucial. Together, they help shape the Academy’s future by setting strategy, advocating for music professionals, and celebrating musical excellence.
Highlighting a Legacy of Diverse Leadership
Only two other women have ever chaired the Recording Academy before Dr. Green — Leslie Ann Jones (1999–2001) and Christine Albert (2013–2015). Dr. Green is also just the third Black officer in this position, following producer Jimmy Jam (2007–2009) and current CEO Harvey Mason Jr. (2019–2021).
The latest board elections for the 2025–2027 term also introduced 19 new or returning trustees, including seven Grammy winners. This fresh, diverse leadership team is expected to champion advocacy, mentorship, and music education on a greater scale than ever.
Dr. Chelsey Green’s Impact Stretches Beyond the Academy
Known for more than her music, Dr. Green is a passionate advocate for representation in the arts. Through her work on and off stage, she uplifts young musicians, promotes diverse voices, and builds opportunities for the next generation of music creators.
Her career seamlessly blends performance, business leadership, and education. With five studio projects under her belt and a role as Associate Professor at Berklee, she embodies the modern musician-scholar.
Now, as Chair of the Recording Academy’s Board of Trustees, Dr. Green is positioned to influence the global music industry in powerful, new ways.
