Los Angeles (September 6, 2006) --- Screen Actors Guild announced today the promotion of two veteran executives to key senior staff positions. Duncan Crabtree-Ireland has assumed the role of general counsel, while Todd Amorde has been named to the newly created position of national director of organizing. Both promotions are effective immediately.
Crabtree-Ireland will lead the Guild's legal affairs and strategy, and oversee the Legal Department, as well as the Governance and Affirmative Action/Diversity departments. Amorde will spearhead the Guild's ongoing organizing efforts, which includes securing more work opportunities for members-and increasing membership solidarity.
"I consider it an honor to serve as the Guild's general counsel, especially at this time of great change in the industry," Crabtree-Ireland said. "As innovative technology creates new and exciting opportunities for actors, we'll continue to face crucial challenges. In collaboration with our dynamic elected leadership and our talented staff, I intend to build upon the Guild's proud tradition of protecting and promoting the interests of our members at every opportunity."
"Duncan Crabtree-Ireland's unmatched dedication to actors and unequaled depth of knowledge of the critical issues facing Screen Actors Guild make him the ideal general counsel. As with Todd Amorde, the Guild is proud to elevate such a deserving individual from within," said the Guild's Interim National Executive Director Peter Frank. "Duncan's contributions thus far have provided the necessary momentum to keep the organization moving forward on behalf of our membership."
After joining the Guild as counsel in 2000, Crabtree-Ireland was promoted to assistant general counsel in 2002, then named deputy general counsel in 2005. He became interim general counsel in July of 2006 after David White's departure. Prior to joining SAG, Crabtree-Ireland served as a Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County. He received his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown and his Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Davis, School of Law, where he was inducted into the Order of Barristers.
An actor and SAG member for 18 years, as well as national board member from 1997-2000, Todd Amorde has been a SAG employee for the past five years-most recently as director of member education. Now a member of the senior management team, he will report directly to Pamm Fair, deputy national executive director of policy and strategic planning, and work closely with SAG senior staff on all organizing initiatives.
"The expanding landscape of entertainment means that Todd Amorde's national director of organizing position will immediately become critical within the Guild," Frank said. "Todd has led the Guild's member education efforts with his strategic mind, passion and invaluable background as a working performer for several years. His unique knowledge of the Guild and its members will enable him to hit the ground running."
"This incredible opportunity will allow me to work more closely with my colleagues, elected officers, and members across the country in an effort to unite professional performers and achieve our common goals," Amorde said. "I intend to help the Guild continue its focus on expanding jurisdiction in traditional Guild platforms, as well as growing areas like Spanish-language and new media. Successful organizing will significantly influence the power of the Guild and the role professional actors play in the entertainment industry. I am truly honored to take on this new challenge."
As director of member education, Amorde administered member programs including the SAG Conservatory, College Outreach and New Member Orientation and conducted educational seminars and panels. He co-created the highly successful SAG Foundation program "Conversations" and serves as a frequent moderator for Roll Film, LifeRaft events and "Conversations."
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