From the South Region Director

Nine years ago, I began a very meaningful and gratifying journey in my career with Screen Actors Guild when I was chosen as the executive director of the Nashville Branch. During these nine years, I have worked with a lot of great Tennesseans — from the elected from both unions to the wonderful staff at the former AFTRA to the local talent agents, casting directors and other industry professionals and, of course, many of you, the members.

We now are beginning another journey as we work with the staff in Nashville on the transition, so that members and the production community may receive the bulk of their services from their local SAG - AFTRA office.March 30, 2012 was a very joyous day, and the announcement was extra special for me, knowing that the members there would soon be able to fulfill their dreams of once again getting all of their union needs met by a local office and interact with staff in person on a regular basis.

The staff here in Miami will miss our regular interactions with the membership there, but the transition is made so much easier by our familiarity with the terrific staff in Nashville. During these past nine years, I have been the very fortunate recipient of consistent cooperation, hospitality, solidarity and support from Randy, Dee, Josh and Judy Marie.

The members of the SAG - AFTRA Nashville Local are very fortunate to have such great representatives and advocates.We look forward to working with them and the local leadership to effect a transition that is as seamless as possible.

I want to thank the past and present members of the Nashville Branch Council for their steadfast support and the terrific work they did and continue to do on behalf of the membership. I want to particularly express my appreciation to National Board member Cece DuBois, Co-President Michael Montgomery and former Branch President Stevan Pippin, and acknowledge their invaluable efforts and dedicated service on behalf of the membership.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve you. We can all look forward to a great future for the Nashville Local of SAG-AFTRA.