The Recording Academy® has named Dr. Chelsey Green as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees. This historic appointment makes her the first Black woman and youngest person to hold this title in the Academy’s 68-year history.
Known for her soulful violin performances and commitment to music education, Dr. Green’s leadership signals a bold, fresh chapter for the Academy and its mission.
A New Chapter for the Recording Academy Board
On June 1, 2025, Dr. Green officially stepped into her new leadership role. She now leads alongside a newly announced National Officer slate and a team of 19 trustees for the 2025–2027 term. The Recording Academy’s decision to elect Dr. Green marks a meaningful investment in diversity and forward-thinking leadership within the music industry.
Her fellow board members include Evan Bogart as Vice Chair, Jennifer Blakeman as Secretary/Treasurer, and Tammy Hurt as Chair Emeritus. Together, this leadership team plans to strengthen opportunities for music creators from all backgrounds.
A Billboard-Charting Artist with a Powerful Voice
Beyond her leadership title, Dr. Chelsey Green is a celebrated artist and educator. She leads Chelsey Green and The Green Project, an ensemble known for blending jazz, R&B, soul, funk, and classical music. The group has released five albums, with one charting on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz list.
Recently, she secured a No. 1 single as a featured artist with pianist-producer Nathan Mitchell. Dr. Green has performed on stages with icons like Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, Kirk Franklin, Samara Joy, and the Wu-Tang Clan. She’s also appeared as a soloist with prestigious groups like the National Symphony Orchestra.
Music Education and Cultural Advocacy at Her Core
A passionate advocate for cultural equity in music, Dr. Green regularly leads workshops and artist residencies worldwide. She dedicates much of her time to teaching young musicians and promoting fair access to music education.
“Music is how culture moves, breathes, and remembers,” Dr. Green shared following her election. “This moment is a call to lead with integrity, advocate for access, and innovate boldly for the creators keeping music alive.”
A Legacy of Service and Sisterhood
In April 2025, Dr. Green became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The organization, known for its legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, aligns closely with Dr. Green’s values. This affiliation strengthens her mission of using music as a tool for unity and social impact.
Her new position amplifies not only her voice but also the voices of underrepresented artists and communities. It represents a powerful moment for Black women in leadership across the entertainment industry.
Shaping the Future of Music Leadership
Dr. Green’s election comes as part of the Recording Academy’s growing effort to embrace diverse, forward-thinking leadership. The Academy, responsible for the GRAMMY® Awards, is working to build a more inclusive and accessible future for music creators around the world.
Her leadership is expected to usher in new initiatives around equity, education, and innovation in the music business. It also highlights the importance of representation in top industry roles, setting the stage for the next generation of creators and leaders.
