Hayma “Screech” Washington has been elected as chairman and CEO of The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, also known as the Television Academy. Washington is the first African-American to hold the position of CEO in the organization’s 70 years of existence.
What is the Television Academy?
Founded in 1946, this professional honorary organization is dedicated to the advancement of the television industry in the United States. It is the organization that every year presents the Primetime Emmy Awards, an annual ceremony honoring achievement in U.S. primetime television.
Washington is a former Walt Disney Co. executive who has won seven Emmys as an executive producer for “The Amazing Race.” His works include sports programs, awards and music shows, which he produces and directs through his own company.
His goals for the future
As CEO, Washington wants to focus on diversifying the Academy’s membership. He also wants to reverse the sharp criticism that has occurred over the lack of minorities among Oscar nominees.
So, we can expect changes to be coming in the near future with Washington at the helm of The Television Academy. As he recently stated, “This is a time of considerable change for our industry and I am deeply committed to ensuring that the academy is at the forefront as we move towards a more inclusive future.”
For more information about the Television Academy, visit www.emmys.com
