The Recording Academy has appointed Theresa Wolters as the new Executive Director of MusiCares, effective August 2025, following her successful tenure as Interim Executive Director earlier in the year.
Wolters, who has served as Vice President of Health & Human Services at MusiCares since 2022, brings a distinctive combination of empathy and analytical acumen to the role that has already earned praise from Recording Academy leadership.
With academic credentials including a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and an MBA from Heriot-Watt University, Wolters possesses the educational foundation necessary for maneuvering the complex intersection of nonprofit management and healthcare services.
Her appointment represents a strategic move to strengthen MusiCares’ mission of supporting music professionals through extensive assistance programs.
Wolters will reinforce MusiCares’ commitment to providing crucial support services for the music community’s most vulnerable members.
Founded in 1989 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity by the Recording Academy, MusiCares has established itself as an essential safety net for those working in the music industry.
The organization focuses primarily on mental health services, addiction recovery, physical health support, and various human services tailored to the unique needs of music professionals facing personal or professional crises.
Wolters’ background in humanitarian work proved particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when countless music industry professionals found themselves suddenly without income or resources.
Her approach, which combines lived experiences with data analytics, has been instrumental in demonstrating the measurable impact of MusiCares’ interventions during this challenging period.
During the pandemic, Wolters played a crucial role in distributing nearly $36 million in emergency relief to support music professionals in crisis.
“The challenges facing our music community, particularly in mental health and addiction recovery, require both compassion and clear-headed analysis,” noted the Recording Academy CEO in announcing Wolters’ appointment.
“Theresa brings both qualities in abundance.”
Wolters brings over two decades of experience in global health and humanitarian leadership, having previously worked at organizations like the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and International Medical Corps.
Under Wolters’ leadership, MusiCares is expected to expand its strategic priorities, with particular emphasis on strengthening the organization’s evidence-based programs.
Her vision includes developing more robust partnerships with industry stakeholders to extend MusiCares’ reach while maintaining its focus on addressing the interconnected nature of financial, physical, and mental health challenges facing music professionals today.
MusiCares will also work to educate musicians about creating diverse income streams that can provide financial stability during uncertain times in the music industry.
The organization aims to help artists navigate the complex landscape of collecting societies to ensure they receive all royalties they’re entitled to from their creative work.
