The Grammy Foundation has announced that Ryan Seacrest has been appointed Honorary Chair of the Foundation's Board. The Grammy Foundation offers year-round music education programs for high school students and schools, as well as advancement, archiving and preservation, and grant-making programs to safeguard important collections and fund research at the intersection of music and science. Seacrest joins current Grammy Foundation Board Chairman and new venture backer Rusty Rueff; Vice Chair Tim Bucher, founder and CEO of TastingRoom.com and Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur; Secretary/Treasurer Geoff Cottrill, chief marketing officer of Converse; and Chair Emeritus Beatriz R. Perez, chief sustainability officer of the Coca-Cola Company, in leadership positions at the organization.

"I speak for all of the officers and directors of the Grammy Foundation in wholeheartedly welcoming Ryan to our Board," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation. "I've known Ryan personally and professionally for many years, and his energy, integrity and keen vision will bring an increased strength to our mission and programs."

"Contributing to the great work of the Grammy Foundation will be an honor and privilege, as music has forever been a powerful force in my life," added Seacrest. "It's truly exciting to join the Board and help launch the Music Educator Award, which will recognize one of America's greatest treasures: music teachers."

The aforementioned Music Educator Award will be awarded annually starting in 2014 during Grammy Week. The nomination process will launch online beginning February 10 at www.grammymusicteacher.com and the deadline for submissions is April 15.