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Longtime Directors Guild of America executive Russell Hollander succeeded Jay D. Roth as national executive director at the DGA‘s May 6 board meeting, guild president Paris Barclay announced Monday.
“I’m honored to have been selected to lead our guild into the future,” said Hollander. “For over 15 years, I have been part of our leadership team that has accomplished so much together, and am proud to continue the 80-year tradition that’s made it all possible — a strong partnership between our elected leaders and staff.”
Said Barclay, “In this pivotal moment, we’re incredibly fortunate to have Russ — a longtime, dedicated guild executive who is well-poised to tackle the world of tomorrow. With Russ at the helm of our incredible DGA staff, we’re confident in our future, but we’re also grateful for how far we’ve come. There aren’t enough words to thank Jay for the many milestones achieved under his guidance, and for developing a new generation of executive leadership. Our guild is in good hands.”
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Roth and Hollander for many months have worked with the DGA’s national board, councils and senior executive staff to ensure a seamless transition. Roth, after 22 years as national executive director, will remain with the guild as senior adviser. He will continue his role with the DGA-Producer Pension and Health Plans, and in overseeing the guild’s research department.
“The future is bright for our guild. For over a decade and a half, Russ has played a pivotal role on my senior executive team in our many milestones, in navigating complex industry dynamics and shifting technologies, and in shepherding our growing footprint. There is nobody better prepared to take the reins,” said Roth. “I thank our board, and all the presidents I have worked alongside, for the opportunity and the privilege to do what I love — serve this phenomenal guild for so many years.”
Hollander, a 16-year DGA veteran, formerly headed the DGA’s New York office before moving to its Los Angeles headquarters in January 2016 to take on an expanded national role. He has served as the DGA’s chief negotiator in six broadcast network negotiations and four commercial negotiations, and was also a leading participant in the guild’s most recent negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. He previously also had national responsibility for non-dramatic programming, news, sports, commercials and new media.
Hollander joined the DGA in 2001 as assistant Eastern executive director, was promoted to Eastern executive director in 2002, and promoted again in 2011 to Eastern executive director/associate national executive director. Prior to joining the DGA, he was a partner at labor law firm Cohen, Weiss and Simon LLP, where he specialized in the representation of labor organizations and employee benefit plans.
Hollander is a graduate of Harvard Law School and holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. “I thank our board for their confidence,” he said. “And I thank Jay, my mentor, for building the template for success in advancing the creative and economic rights of directors and their teams.”
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