The Recording Academy® Elects National Officers and Approves Continued Evolution of Grammy® Categories at Spring Board of Trustees Meeting

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Recording Academy® (www.grammy.com) recently held its spring Board of Trustees meeting in Los Angeles, and elections for National Officers yielded the following: award-winning music video director/producer George J. Flanigen from Nashville was re-elected to a second term as Chair; recording artist Christine Albert from Texas was elected Vice Chair; engineer/producer Glenn Lorbecki from the Pacific Northwest continues for a second term as Secretary/Treasurer; and five-time GRAMMY® winner Jimmy Jam from Los Angeles was re-elected for a second term as Chair Emeritus. Additionally, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to the recently announced restructuring of the GRAMMY Awards with 78 categories to be presented at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012.

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"Through the election of our experienced and credible National Officers, we will continue our mission of keeping The Recording Academy a premier organization within our vibrant music community," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "I look forward to working closely with this diverse and talented team of music professionals to continue steering The Academy and the GRAMMY Awards to new heights."

The Board approved the budget for fiscal year 2011 – 2012 and the previously announced new landmark contract with CBS (for the continued broadcast of the Annual GRAMMY Awards, the GRAMMY Nominations specials, and a series of new two-hour specials), as well as discussed various programs and initiatives for the coming year. Additionally, the recently announced realignment of The Academy's GRAMMY Awards categories received full support for its implementation as planned for the upcoming 54th awards season. Examination of the GRAMMY Awards structure is a fluid process requiring continuous review, and this procedure has been in place for more than 50 years and includes input from elected, qualified voting members from The Recording Academy's 12 Chapters around the country, and a broad spectrum of music makers. It takes place annually to assure that the competition is fair and consistent across all musical genres.

The submissions process for the 54th GRAMMY Awards began on July 6, and will be followed by various Academy Screening Committee meetings later this year. For detailed information on the awards restructure and important dates/deadlines, please visit www.grammy.org/announcement. Nominations for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards once again will be announced as part of "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night," a one-hour special that sets the stage for the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast with nominations in several categories and performances by past GRAMMY winners and/or nominees. This year's special will be broadcast live on CBS Wed., Nov. 30, 2011.  

About The National Officers

George J. Flanigen, re-elected to a second term as Chair of the Board of Trustees, served as The Recording Academy Nashville Chapter President from 2006 – 2008, and Governor from 1999 – 2006. Producer/director/co-owner of Deaton Flanigen Production Inc., an award-winning full service film and television production company, Flanigen has produced/directed music videos, television promos, and network television specials for such clients as the Walt Disney Company, ABC, CBS, "LIVE! with Regis & Kelly," Sony/BMG, Warner Bros. Records, Capitol Records, Kid Rock, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr., Rascal Flatts, and Carrie Underwood. His work has garnered him four GRAMMY Award nominations in the Best Short Form Music Video category. Additionally, Flanigen also serves on many philanthropic boards including MusiCares®, The GRAMMY Foundation® and the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business Board at Belmont University.

Christine Albert, newly elected as Vice Chair, is a recording artist and co-owner of MoonHouse Studio and MoonHouse Records in Austin, Texas. She has released 11 independent CDs as a solo artist and as part of the Folk/Americana duo Albert and Gage, with her husband and partner Chris Gage. Albert is also known for her "Texafrance" series of French/English recordings that combine her European heritage and Texas musical roots.  She has appeared on "Austin City Limits," was awarded "Female Vocalist Of The Year" by the Kerrville Folk Festival Music Awards, and "Superstar of Austin Music" for her community service work. Albert has been involved with The Recording Academy Texas Chapter since its inception and has served three terms on the Board of Governors.

Glenn Lorbecki, re-elected to a second term as Secretary/Treasurer, is president/CEO of Glenn Sound — a music/audio/media production company based in Seattle. He served as Chapter President of The Recording Academy Pacific Northwest Chapter from 2001 – 2003, Trustee from 2003 – 2008, and as Co-Chair of the Producers & Engineers Wing from 2004 – 2009. A producer, studio owner, composer, musician and educator, Lorbecki's engineering and production career spans more than four decades, and he has worked with artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Coldplay, Green Day, Heart, Weezer, and Kings of Leon.  

Jimmy Jam, re-elected for a second term as Chair Emeritus, is a five-time GRAMMY winner and comprises half of one of the most successful writing/producing teams in modern music history. In the past 30 years, along with his partner Terry Lewis, Jam has written and/or produced more than 50 Billboard No. 1 songs on the pop, R&B and dance charts for diverse artists including Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Robert Palmer, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Usher.

The Trustees of The Recording Academy, along with Academy senior staff, Chapter Regional Directors, Executive Directors, and Chapter Presidents — fiduciaries of the not-for-profit organization — met May 24 – 27 in Los Angeles to discuss goals, set priorities, and implement policies designed to strategically chart the course of The Academy and its affiliate corporations.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the organization's social networks as a Twitter follower at www.twitter.com/thegrammys, a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/thegrammys, and a YouTube channel subscriber at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.

SOURCE The Recording Academy