Wayne J. Zahner
Chief Financial Officer @The Recording Academy
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WORK HISTORY
Chief Financial Officer @The Recording Academy
Santa Monica, CA, US
Authored and implemented Recording Academy’s first Statement of Investment Policy that resulted in Endowment Fund growth from $32 Million to its current level of $110 Million. • Formulated and implemented Recording Academy’s real estate acquisition policy, resulting in ownership of office spaces in Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York (national music centers) – representing real estate growth from $11 Million to $107 Million. • Fostered total balance sheet growth during tenure of 148%($66 Million to $164 Million). • Planned and executed the transition of “brick and mortar” commercial leases to virtual offices for nine of the Academy’s Chapters in major markets across the country creating a savings in excess of annually in occupancy costs. • Planned, executed, and led the Recording Academy’s first strategic planning process resulting in a 3-year plan which led to obtaining many new goals including on-line voting in the GRAMMY process. • Oversaw implementation of new financial accounting ERP, payroll software, and corporate banking transition for the Recording Academy and its five affiliates. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Simultaneously served as Chief Financial Officer of GRAMMY Museum Foundation, Inc. from January 2017 through June 2020. • Oversee all Business Affairs, Facilities Operations, and Information Technology functions including accounting, general ledger, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, legal, contract negotiation and review, intellectual property, music clearances and royalties, risk management, property acquisition and commercial leases, property management, security functions, cybersecurity, and technology infrastructure. • Relationship manager with external partners, namely banking, auditors, law firms, investment manager, insurance broker, commercial real estate brokers, payroll provider, and more. • Plan, conduct, and lead semi-annual Audit Committee meetings and quarterly Finance Committee meetings.
EDUCATION
Loyola University Maryland
Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA, Accounting
ABOUT WAYNE J. ZAHNER
Strategic executive who can effectively deliver financial information to non-financial people. Keen ability to communicate, inspire, lead progress, build consensus, and make decisions. Proficiency in reading people and adapting management style, while maintaining ability to effectively coach and engage employees. Possess global view with an eye to the long-term success of an organization. The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music\'s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music\'s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world\'s leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators. For more information about the Academy, please visit For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter,\"like\" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy\'s social communities on Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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