Experienced industry verteran recognized for her leadership of Communications department
GRAMMY.com
The Recording Academy announced today that it has named Barb Dehgan Vice President, Communications & Media Relations. Dehgan, who recently has served as Senior Director of Communications & Media Relations, will continue reporting directly to The Academy's Chief Marketing Officer Evan Greene.
"The Marketing and Communications departments are true agents of change and, as we find ourselves at a critical point in The Academy's evolution, Barb's experience and vision will continue to play a key role in The Academy's future success," said Greene. "I am proud to call her my partner in this effort."
"Over the past seven and a half years, Barb has shown exceptional commitment to The Recording Academy as a tireless champion of our goals and overall mission," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "She brings a wealth of valuable relationships and continuously demonstrates the foresight to help take this organization to new heights. Having worked closely with her for many years, I can attest to her professionalism, tireless energy, and vision. I am delighted to have her join our first-rate senior management team and look forward to continuing a successful collaboration as The Academy grows and develops in the coming years."
With close to 20 years of experience in the music business, Dehgan joined The Recording Academy in 2000. As head of the department, she spearheads overall communications and media relations strategy and crisis communications for The Recording Academy and Latin Recording Academy. Her department is responsible for being one of the key voices of The Academy and all of its related entities — including the GRAMMY Foundation, MusiCares, The Latin Recording Academy, GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY telecasts, as well as the upcoming December opening of the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles. She liaises with production partners, sponsors, recording artists, music labels and media, and also oversees the arrivals and media center for both telecasts.
Dehgan began her career in music as a publicist at Warner Bros. Records where she handled national and tour press for various artists, and provided event support at the label's GRAMMY after-parties and other special events. Following her tenure at Warner Bros., she helped open Hollywood Records' New York office as national director of publicity and was responsible for national press campaigns on various projects as well as all aspects of publicity.
Prior to joining The Academy, Dehgan gained nonprofit experience as communications director for environmental group Heal the Bay in Santa Monica, Calif. There she developed public relations/marketing campaigns with statewide organizations on various environmental initiatives, launched the organization's annual Beach Report Card program and press conference, and coordinated benefit CDs.
