About Judson
My Musical Journey

From the time I was a young boy learning to play the piano, music has had a defining impact on my life.

Music has enriched my life in ways that I could never have imagined. I have vivid memories of certain moments that have become milestones in my life.

Although I ultimately chose music as an avocation instead of a vocation, I was blessed with certain musical talent and wonderful training which resulted in music being a focal point of my life.

For those of you who might be interested in infusing music into your life, I offer here “My Musical Journey.” Here are some of the milestones from that journey which have inspired me.

The sounds that emanate from a musician are but the tip of the iceberg – such as with jazz musician Judson Green. The music that flows out of him cannot be separated from the inspiration behind it – love for family and the environment. Nor can the brilliant mind that loves to solve complex problems be separated from his dedication to help young people find a path in music – all of which is inspired by the fundamental principles he found through playing jazz.
Biography

Musician Judson Green is an accomplished jazz pianist who has studied, composed and performed since childhood. Judson uses jazz as a platform to entertain and teach lessons on leadership and creativity. Judson and his wife, Joyce, deeply value the performing arts. In 2006, the Judson and Joyce Green Center for The Performing Arts at DePauw University was established. Since 2009, they have sponsored Yo-Yo Ma as the Creative Consultant of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Born in Quincy, Illinois, Judson started piano at the age of 4 and aspired and trained through his college years to become a professional musician. He holds a degree in Economics from DePauw University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

His professional career includes nearly 20 years with The Walt Disney Company. He served for almost 10 years as President of Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts. Prior to that, Judson served as the Chief Financial Officer of The Walt Disney Company.

Most recently, Judson Green was the President and Chief Executive Officer of NAVTEQ Corporation, a NYSE company. He served in this capacity beginning in 2000 leading NAVTEQ through a successful IPO in 2004 and its ultimate sale to Nokia in 2008.

Judson has served on the corporate boards of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc., Harley-Davidson, Inc., Aon Corporation and Alticor Corporation, and on numerous nonprofit boards including Conservation International, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and The Field Museum of Chicago. He serves as a trustee of the DePauw University Board of Trustees and is a past Chairman.

In 1996, Judson Green received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the National Office of the Boy Scouts of America. In 2005, he was a recipient of and national finalist in Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Technology. In 2008, he received the Distinguished Corporate Alumni Award from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, the school’s highest alumni award, and in 2011 he received the Old Gold Goblet Award from DePauw University, the school’s highest alumni award.

The Green family includes Judson and Joyce, their daughter Julie, husband Dan, and children Jackson, Jacob and Chapin, and their son Jameson and wife Missy.

"Music is for life's sake."