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Executive of the Month


Jeanie Weems
Vice President, Creative & Film/TV Special Projects, ASCAP

 

Twelve years ago, after deciding that her life's professional contribution could not end with international banking, Jeanie Weems went to work for ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Aside from the routine of banking being boring, Jeanie believed that in some capacity, she could contribute more to the entertainment community.

 

Being a native of Los Angeles and having lived and gone to school with a number of creative people in the entertainment industry, the transition appeared to be natural and where Jeanie was sure she would enjoy developing a successful career. However, for Jeanie Weems, getting started in the entertainment industry was the hardest part. She notes, "No industry experience must have been tattooed on my forehead, as I knocked on doors, and knocked on doors... and the response was always the same." Then along came a young angel named Judy Stakee, who was Vice President, Creative at Warner/Chappell Music Publishing. Ms. Stakee recommended that Jeanie interview with ASCAP and even followed up to make sure she completed the interview!

 

Weems was hired at ASCAP as an Executive Assistant, working for two Film & TV Executives. For a girl from South Central L.A., this was a truly bizarre and enlightening assignment. After all those career days in the hood, no one had ever come to her school that worked behind the scenes in film & television! Amazed, excited and enthusiastic... Jeanie knew she had stumbled onto something and decided to hold on! She soon discovered more about the film and television music community and grew over time to become an executive herself. This industry community, despite its lack of diversity, welcomed Weems and aided in her professional growth. Industry notables like Nancy Knutsen, Senior Vice President, Film & TV (ASCAP), Bob Hunka, Senior Vice President at Tri-Star Television and Alf Clausen, composer for "The Simpsons" are executives that made the most dramatic impact on Jeanie's career.

 

In 1997, Jeanie Weems accepted the position of Assistant VP, Creative & Film/TV Projects at ASCAP. A position she has never regretted accepting. This position afforded Jeanie with the opportunity to lead a team of people that she both respected and admired. As a department head she has had the unique experience of learning and growing with her team. Supervising executives in three different regions has been challenging and Jeanie often thanks each of them in New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles for their constant support... even when they don't agree!

 

Jeanie remarks there were other angels that have traveled with her on her journey of success, most notably, Todd Brabec, Executive Vice President, ASCAP, Carol Ware and Jackie Rhinehart of Universal Records.

 

Recently promoted to Vice President, Creative & Film/TV Special Projects at ASCAP, Jeanie says, "The key to being a successful executive, I believe, is remembering to say thank you often, common sense, integrity, honor and decency, and not... industry experience."

 

Thank you Jeanie Weems for your wisdom... thank you for teaching us all!




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