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Former media exec and Emmy Award-winning producer Hayma “Screech” Washington has made history as the first Black person elected president of the Television Academy.
As President and CEO, Washington vowed to bring change to the Academy, specifically looking to tackle the lack of diversity in Academy membership and reverse the melanin-deficient Emmy nominees list.
“I am honored to have been selected to lead the Academy and look forward to serving our membership alongside the governors, executive committee, Foundation and staff,” Washington said, according to Variety. “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.”
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Washington is the first African-American appointed to the position in the Academy’s 70-year existence. He will serve a two-year term.