The Recording Academy keeps upping its game as we head into Grammy Awards season.
They’ve hired Sean Smith, formerly with Homeland Security and the Obama administration. to run corporate communications. If Kanye has a problem with anything, this is the guy he’ll have to deal with.
Smith comes directly from corporate PR firm Porter Novelli, which has been handling Musicares the last couple of years (after eons with Rogers and Cowan). The Recording Academy also upped Andie Cox, who’s got to deal with all of us ink stained wretches and does it graciously. Bravo to her. Both Smith and Cox will report to Co-President Valeisha Butterfield Jones.
Got a problem with the Grammys? Listen to this: Earlier in his career Smith “worked at the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) where he managed all aspects of the Department’s brand and reputation and was the principal advisor to the Secretary and several other Cabinet Members. During his tenure at DHS, Smith led the Obama administration’s public response to breaking news. He also held past roles in various political campaigns, including three presidential campaigns, and served in a variety of public affairs capacities and has been a lecturer at Yale University, Johns Hopkins and the University of California San Diego. ”
Okay? So there.
Now let’s get back to listening to music. Also, first task for Smith: making sure “McCartney III” and Springsteen’s “Letter to You” are nominated for Traditional Pop Album. If that doesn’t happen, we’re calling in Homeland Security!
