SAG-AFTRA Board Officially Names Gabrielle Carteris President, OKs Radio-TV Commercial Contracts

Carteris

As expected, SAG-AFTRA officially named interim President GABRIELLE CARTERIS as President and approved the new radio and television commercial contracts with the advertising industry in its two-day board meeting over the weekend. CARTERIS, the former "BEVERLY HILLS 90210" co-star, was previously EVP of the union and had been serving as President since KEN HOWARD's passing on MARCH 23rd; she will serve the remainder of HOWARD's term, through AUGUST 20th, 2017. In addition, the board named REBECCA DAMON as EVP, meaning that the top three officials of the union are women, the first time that this has occurred.

“I am deeply honored to be chosen by the SAG-AFTRA National Board to serve the union and its members as President,” said CARTERIS. “KEN was a great union leader, friend and mentor. He left big shoes to fill, but with the support of the national board of directors and the membership, I am committed to improving the lives of all SAG-AFTRA members.”

“It’s an honor to serve our members and I’m grateful for GABRIELLE’s trust and the support of my colleagues,” said DAMON. “As EVP, I will continue working to expand SAG-AFTRA’s reach and to increase opportunities for members across the country. Following the peerless example of our beloved late President, KEN HOWARD, we will focus on member outreach to maximize the solidarity and bargaining strength of our remarkable union.”

SAG-AFTRA National Exec. Dir. DAVID WHITE said, “I congratulate GABRIELLE CARTERIS on her election as President of SAG-AFTRA. GABRIELLE and I have worked closely together for many years, including most recently on the successful commercials contracts negotiations. I know she understands the needs and aspirations of our members and I am excited to work with her to continue advancing the goals of this union. I also congratulate REBECCA DAMON on her election as EVP. She is a deeply experienced and effective leader who will work with President CARTERIS and the national board to engage and empower members throughout the country.”

On the contract approval, CARTERIS said, "This contract speaks to the livelihood of members today – and in the future. We look forward to presenting the agreement to the membership for ratification."

WHITE added, “I congratulate the board on the approval of this agreement. Our negotiating committee, led by Pres. CARTERIS and Co-Chair SUE-ANNE MORROW, faced very tough issues and, working together, secured an excellent and forward-looking deal for our membership.”

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