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The Recording Academy Announces Valeisha Butterfield Jones As First Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

According to grammy.com, the Recording Academy has named Valeisha Butterfield Jones as its first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer in its 63-year history. This hiring comes based off the recommendation of the Recording Academy Diversity & Inclusion Task Force which is comprised of music and entertainment leaders such as rapper Common, Debra Lee of BET, and Universal Music Group Executive Vice President Michele Anthony.

Jones, former head of global inclusion at Google, will be “bring business acumen and strategic rigor to inclusion practices across all areas of the Recording Academy, including internal and external programs, organizational and staff culture, membership, awards and related initiatives,” according to a released statement. She comes with a global business background and experience ranging from entertainment to technology.

Jones will work right under Academy Chair and Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason Jr.

“We are thrilled to welcome Valeisha Butterfield Jones into the Recording Academy family,” said Mason.

“Valeisha has been a force in driving systemic change and enhancing equal opportunities for underrepresented groups across entertainment, technology and politics. I’m excited to work with her to continue evolving the Recording Academy as an organization that represents our music community and a place where all voices are welcomed, supported and nurtured. We are so fortunate to have Valeisha’s leadership in this crucial area.”

Recording Academy Diversity & Inclusion Task Force Chair, Tina Tchen, said this new position was a major goal driving the task force.

“Creating this executive-level position was a principal recommendation of our Task Force because it is one significant way the Academy can demonstrate that issues of diversity are mission-critical and will be prioritized in the future.”

As for Jones, she is ready to work. She said,”During this unprecedented time in world history, together we will double-down on our focus to drive systemic change and equitable outcomes for underrepresented communities and creators.”

(Photo courtesy: blackpolicyconference.com)

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