A Change in Local Presidents

Not long after John submitted what would turn out to be his last president’s column, he came to the conclusion that our local would be better served by someone else as president. Quoting from John’s email, "As much of an honor as it has been to work with such a talented group of leaders and vibrant community of actors, I feel I am no longer able to devote the necessary time to the office." The New Orleans Local Board reluctantly accepted John’s resignation at our board meeting on March 21.

This left the board with a pair of problems: We needed to fill the role of president, and we did not want to lose the valuable contributions of a longtime member like John. We are hopeful that John will serve the union in another capacity in the future.

Diana Boylston

The job of New Orleans Local Board president requires a special set of skills, experience and intense devotion to the actors of our local and SAG-AFTRA. It requires a substantial time and energy commitment as well as the ability to travel to meetings and attend meetings by telephone and on the Internet. In short, this is not an easy vacancy to fill!

The board approached the former president of the New Orleans Local, Diana Boylston, and asked if she would be willing to step back into the role of local president. She accepted our offer without hesitation. We formalized her appointment to the board at the March 21 meeting, so she has once again become president of the New Orleans Local.

Thank you for your service as president and future service, John! Welcome back, Diana!

This item was originally featured in the spring 2016 local newsletter.