Dr. Chelsey Green has become the first Black woman in history to hold the position of Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Recording Academy. This is the organization that hosts the Grammy Awards.
At 39 years of age, Dr. Chelsey Green is also the youngest individual to have ever been elected to this role. Her appointment represents a new era for the organization. It also reflects continued efforts toward introducing more diversity of voices in the music business.
Dr. Chelsey Green is not just a leader but a musician and educator as well. She has made a music, performance, and education career for herself. Now, she is carrying all of her experience and passion forward to inform the future of the Recording Academy.
What is Dr. Chelsey Green’s background in music?
Dr. Green grew up in Houston, Texas. She started playing the violin and viola at a young age. She went on to study music seriously and earned advanced degrees. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Viola Performance from the University of Maryland-College Park.
She is trained in classical music but performs many styles. She leads a group called Chelsey Green and The Green Project. This group mixes classical music with jazz, R&B, soul, and funk. They have released five studio albums. One of them made it onto the Billboard Contemporary Albums chart.
Dr. Chelsey Green has worked with famous musicians. She has performed with Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, Kirk Franklin, and J. Cole. She has also played with the National Symphony Orchestra and other well-known groups. Her musical reach goes across the world.
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What does her new role mean for the Recording Academy?
In 2025, Dr. Green began her term as Chair of the Board of Trustees. She takes over from Tammy Hurt, who served as Chair from 2021 to 2024. This is the first time two women have held the top leadership role, one after the other, in the Academy’s history.
Dr. Chelsey Green is the third Black person to serve in this role. The others were Jimmy Jam (2007–2009) and Harvey Mason Jr. (2019–2021). Her appointment reflects a wider push for diversity and fairness in the music industry.
The Board of Trustees is a group of music leaders. They help guide the goals and work of the Recording Academy. As Chair, Dr. Green will lead the Board during the 2025–2027 term. She will work with the CEO and staff to support music creators and maintain high standards in music.
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How does Dr. Green support music education and outreach?
Alongside performing, Dr. Green is also a professor. She teaches and works with students in music. She runs workshops and classes for young people, often in underserved communities.
Her group, The Green Project, also gives back. They perform in schools and lead educational events. These efforts aim to show that all kinds of music can be powerful and meaningful.
As Chair, Dr. Chelsey Green plans to focus on education, access, and fairness. She supports programs that help musicians grow their careers. She also wants to make sure more people can enter and stay in the music business, no matter their background.
Dr. Chelsey Green is now a major figure in music leadership. As the first Black woman and the youngest person to chair the Recording Academy’s Board, she stands at the center of change. Her music career, teaching, and leadership all point to a deep commitment to the art and the people who create it.
Her term comes at a time when the industry is changing. More voices are being heard, and the Academy is becoming more inclusive. With her experience and clear goals, Dr. Green is in a strong position to guide the Academy forward.