Ken Howard Wins Re-Election As SAG-AFTRA President, Jane Austin Elected Secretary-Treasurer

Howard

KEN HOWARD won re-election as President of SAG-AFTRA, narrowly holding off challenger PATRICIA RICHARDSON by a 54%-46% margin.  HOWARD's running mate JENNY O'HARA, however, was defeated for Secretary-Treasurer by RICHARDSON's running partner JANE AUSTIN.

HOWARD has served as President since 2009 (for SAG) and supported the merger of the two unions in 2012; RICHARDSON's support came from those in the union who opposed the merger and believe HOWARD has been too deferential to management, and who objected to a change in how dues are calculated.

HOWARD, the actor best known as the star of "THE WHITE SHADOW" and as the head of COMCAST parody "Kabletown" on "30 ROCK," said, "Serving the members of SCREEN ACTORS GUILD and now SAG-AFTRA has been one of the greatest privileges of my life as an actor. I am honored and grateful to the members for their confidence in our team. From merger to contract gains and beyond, we have together built a strong union that is focused on economic security and opportunity for members. But the fight to protect performers is never over and I am eager to continue it. I thank the members for their support and I'm excited to get back to work."

AUSTIN, a stunt performer and owner of HOLLYWOOD STUNTWORKS, said, “The union’s financial well-being is key to its success, and I want to thank the members for entrusting me with this tremendous responsibility. Working with President HOWARD and the National Board, I am confident we can ensure a strong and secure future for members.”

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