Film composer Lesley Barber was elected to an officer position for the first time.
The program, named in memory of the Oscar-nominated South African composer, aims to foster broader representation in film music.
The percentage of board members from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group ticked up from 25% to 27%.
Jennifer Davidson, Jenny Galante and Matt Severson were also promoted.
Yang is the fourth woman to serve as president of the Academy.
Of the 2023 class, 40% identify as women, 34% belong to underrepresented ethnic/racial communities and 52% are from outside the U.S.
The Academy’s 2023-24 board of governors comprises 53% women, while 25% belong to an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.
The program aims to foster broader representation in film music composition.
