The Academy intends to focus on the songwriters this year rather than have performances of their nominated songs.
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.
