SANTA MONICA, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) - The GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares Foundation, affiliated charities of The Recording Academy, announced that their respective Boards have elected new Officers as well as additional Directors. John Branca, a partner at Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie & Stiffelman LLP, will serve as Board Chair for MusiCares. Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music and marketing for Electronic Arts, will continue to serve as the GRAMMY Foundation's Chair.
"The strength of a nonprofit organization can be measured in large part by its Board," said Recording Academy President/CEO and MusiCares and GRAMMY Foundation President Neil Portnow. "We are pleased and honored that we continue to attract such respected, passionate and committed Directors and Officers to each Foundation. They are true stewards of our mission."
In addition to the newly elected Branca as Chair, the MusiCares roster of Officers is filled by certified drug and alcohol counselor Mary Pattiz as Vice Chair and the Urban Network's Publisher and CEO Miller London as Secretary/Treasurer. Newly elected MusiCares Directors are Jerry Greenberg, founder of Mirage Music Entertainment and Jeff Herbert, former senior vice president/chief marketing officer for Aflac Inc.
"Having previously served for many years as a Board member, I have seen firsthand the positive effect of MusiCares' health and human services programs in the music industry," said Branca. "I am truly honored to reinforce my commitment to MusiCares in my role as its new Board chair."
With Schnur continuing to serve as Chair of the GRAMMY Foundation, the remaining Officer slots are held by music industry executive Phil Quartararo as Vice Chair and Chairman of Levy Restaurants Lawrence Levy as Secretary/Treasurer. The newly elected GRAMMY Foundation Directors are Gary Borman, founder of Borman Entertainment; Robert Aubry Davis, founder of RADMAN Productions and broadcaster/producer on public radio, public television, and XM Satellite Radio; George Jones, president and chief executive officer of Borders Group Inc.; Debra Lee, chairman and CEO, BET Networks; Beatriz R. Perez, senior vice president, integrated marketing, for the North America division of the Coca-Cola Company; and Rusty Rueff, chief executive officer for SNOCAP.
"The impact of the GRAMMY Foundation and its music education and advancement and preservation programs is continuing to grow and thrive," said Schnur. "It is a privilege to help guide the organization as Board chair, and I am honored to be adding these outstanding Board members to a diverse and dynamic group of individuals who are committed to the Foundation's work."
Established in 1989 by The Recording Academy, MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. For more information, please visit www.musicares.com.
The GRAMMY Foundation was established in 1989 to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music on American culture � from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the still unimagined musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. The Foundation accomplishes this mission through programs and activities that engage the music industry and cultural community as well as the general public. The Foundation works in partnership year-round with The Recording Academy to bring national attention to important issues such as the value and impact of music and arts education and the urgency of preserving our rich cultural heritage. For more information, please visit www.grammyfoundation.com.
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. In its 50th year, 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.
