Thomas Schlamme Re-Elected DGA President

Thomas Schlamme was re-elected president of the Directors Guild of America by acclamation today by the delegates to the guild’s biennial convention. The Emmy-winning West Wing director was first elected in 2017.

“It is my honor to once again accept the position of President of the Directors Guild of America,” he said. “It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. We’re in a time of immense change, and the next few years will be critical for the DGA and for our industry. I am focused and ready to lead us through our next negotiations, and to ensure that the creative and economic rights of directors and their teams are protected for years to come. And I am fortunate that serving alongside me is a dedicated, experienced team of fellow officers elected to represent our members.”

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“It is my privilege and pleasure to nominate such a highly qualified candidate for president,” added director and DGA negotiating committee co-chair Jon Avnet, who placed Schlamme’s name in nomination. “Time and time again, he’s put in the hard work of serving the DGA while maintaining his demanding day job as a director. He is a leader who not only honors our past, but fights for our membership now and into the future.”

Schlamme is currently shooting the upcoming HBO limited series The Plot Against America. His latest project, Snowfall, first premiered on FX in 2017. He’s won three DGA Awards, having been nominated eight times, and has won nine Emmy Awards.

Other officers elected include Mary Rae Thewlis, national vice president, and Betty Thomas, secretary-treasurer. Michael Apted chose not to run for re-election. Schlamme praised his long service to the guild.

“Michael’s history of guild service is immeasurable. Suffice it to say, the 21st century of this guild is because of Michael Apted, and because of his work. We all stand on his shoulders,” he said.

Also elected were first vice-president Lesli Linka Glatter; second vice-president Ron Howard; third vice-president Jon Favreau; fourth vice-president Laura Belsey; fifth vice-president Bethany Rooney; sixth vice-president Lily Olszewski; and assistant secretary-treasurer Scott Berger.

Steven Spielberg was re-elected to the national board, along with the following:

Board Members
Jon Avnet
Karen Gaviola
Julie Gelfand
Todd Holland
Nicole Kassell
Kathleen McGill
Don Mischer
Christopher Nolan
Liz Ryan
Oz Scott

Alternate Board Members
Mary Lou Belli
Maria Burton
Hanelle Culpepper
Ava DuVernay
Zetna Fuentes
Nora Gerard
Maggie Greenwald
Anthony Hemingway
Joanna Kerns
Michelle MacLaren
Michael Mann
Martha Mitchell
Jonathan Mostow
Kimberly Peirce
Matthew Penn
David O. Russell
Millicent Shelton

Associate Board Members
Valdez Flagg
Courtney Franklin
Louis Guerra
Jennie O’Keefe Armas
Joyce Thomas

Second Alternate Board Members
Lee Blaine
Mimi (Marian) Deaton
Dennis Mazzocco
Shawn Pipkin-West
Jennifer Truelove
Thomas Whelan