Early this month, the Recording Academy announced its newly elected National Officers and 2025–2027 Board of Trustees, marking a historic moment with the revelation that Dr. Chelsey Green would serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Green — a prolific violinist, entrepreneur, leader, and professor at Berklee College of Music —  made history by becoming the first Black woman and the youngest person to be elected for the prestigious position. She brings a rare blend of real-world experience and educational insight to her role, recognizing the urgent need to invest in the next generation while also uplifting those currently shaping the music landscape.

In an exclusive interview with GRAMMY.com, she expressed her excitement about being chosen for the role: "It's deeply humbling and empowering. It is an honor to serve in this capacity and represent so many — past, present and future — whose contributions to music have often gone unseen.

"Personally, it's a reflection of my ancestors' prayers and sacrifices. For the music community, I hope it signals that leadership can and should reflect the diversity of the creators we serve."

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Green will spearhead the Recording Academy's strategic direction, collaborating with the Academy's CEO, Harvey Mason jr., and senior leadership to advance its mission of serving the music community through advocacy, education, direct assistance, and the celebration of musical excellence.

To close out Black Music Month, Dr. Green sat down with GRAMMY.com to share her goals as the Recording Academy's Chair, examine how her identity as a multifaceted musician informs her leadership, and discuss why transparency, education, and inclusion are more than industry trends — they are essential commitments.

As the Recording Academy's Chair of the Board of Trustees, what are some main goals or changes you hope to implement, specifically in representation and artist support?

My platform is called Creators Connected — and that's exactly where my focus lies: strengthening connection, engagement, and inclusion among our members. I'm committed to making sure representation is not performative, but thoughtfully intentional — across leadership, membership and programming. It's about building a culture where every creator feels seen, heard and valued.

You previously served as the Recording Academy's Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees from 2023 to 2025. What did that experience teach you? How will you implement those learnings into your new role as Chair?

Serving as Vice Chair felt like a role truly rooted in service — a role of the people, our members. Sitting on nearly every committee over two years gave me a front-row seat to what our creators need most. I saw how access to resources and professional development can be truly transformative to their work and careers. Most of all, it taught me the importance of listening — really listening — to both passion and pain. It taught me how to build bridges, not just agendas. That perspective is central to how I lead now.

Not only are you a leader and entrepreneur, but you are also a classically trained violinist with an astonishing portfolio. How has your musical journey and identity influenced the way you approach leadership and advocacy in this new role?

I grew up in a family where the violin wasn't a classical instrument — it was a musical one. I had the freedom and encouragement to explore: to sing, to stretch across genres and to collaborate with musicians in church, jazz big band, orchestra, chamber groups, and beyond. I've never been a one-genre girl; I've always been rooted in playing outside the lines. That spirit of creative freedom, thinking outside the box, and agility shaped who I am. My journey as a musician grounds everything I do. It's taught me how to improvise under pressure, collaborate across differences, and communicate without words — all essential for leadership.

Your predecessor, Tammy Hurt, is also an experienced musician. Is it important to have a musical background to hold a position like this at the Recording Academy?

Absolutely. We are Voting Members of the Academy because we are creators first — recording artists with lived experience. That matters. When artists lead, we bring not only our craft, but also a firsthand understanding of the industry's gaps, challenges and possibilities. We lead with both heart and insight, and that's how we make smarter, more empathetic and more relevant decisions.

In addition to your experience as an artist and musician, you're also an advocate for music education. You currently serve as associate professor at Berklee College of Music. Why should the music industry and music professionals care about and invest in music education?

Growing up with two educators [as parents] — one of them a music educator for more than 30 years — I was immersed in the idea that education could be understood not just as instruction, but as experience and engagement. Music education is access. It's opportunity. It's a way of honoring legacy while building pathways for the next generation of creators. It's a pipeline for talent, creativity and identity. If we want a thriving future in music, we must invest in those honing their craft today.

There has been a massive concern regarding transparency, inclusion, and modernization within major music institutions. How do you plan to deal with those issues? And how will you channel that into progression for both the Academy and its members?

In my mind, these aren't just buzzwords — they're mandates. I'm committed to fortifying trust, building systems that reflect the realities of today's music industry, and creating space where every voice is genuinely valued. I believe our greatest asset is our membership — a dynamic, diverse collective of creators. It's time to truly connect and engage, allowing those voices to come to the forefront and be seen, heard and empowered.

We're celebrating Black Music Month this month. Who is one Black artist or music professional, living or dead, who has influenced you? And who's one rising Black artist or music professional we should keep an eye on?

My father, Craig Green, has always inspired me — not just through his music, but through his vision, his remarkable career as an educator, and his innovative approach to jazz and funk rhythm. He's helped develop some of today's most talented and forward-thinking jazz artists on the scene. Right now, I'm keeping an eye on Brandon Woody. He's jazz re-imagined — experimental yet grounded, carrying legacy with bold, progressive panache. His artistry feels both ancestral and future-facing.

What kind of impact do you hope to make for those future artists and leaders who may follow in your footsteps?

I want my impact to be rooted in inclusion, advocacy and meaningful progress across our organization, and in amplifying the visibility and value of a diverse body of creators. I hope my leadership shows that you don't have to leave parts of yourself behind to take your seat at the table. Bringing my full self — as a Black woman, a musician, an educator, and a leader — is intentional. And my hope is that by doing so, it inspires future artists and leaders to show up fully, dream boldly, and know that they belong in every room where decisions are made.