Gabrielle Carteris

The extraordinary privilege of serving as president is a journey I began nine years ago. After I was badly injured while filming, the union took care of me — and I pledged to give back through my service. Together we’ve accomplished so much: the historic unionization of Telemundo… working with California’s governor to pass the IMDb law… seeing our health plans merge… and now I’m focused on leading our TV/Theatrical negotiations. The work of SAG-AFTRA never stops but I bring passion to protecting our members every day. I would be deeply honored to continue fighting for you.

Jason George

Smart, successful organizations understand that increasing efficiencies and introducing automation improves customer experience. Our use of data and finances must track those of our hi-tech world. I’m thrilled that SAG-AFTRA will be incorporating direct depositing of residuals, saving millions in postage and labor, but we can and must go further. I’ll press for an option for automatic billing of union dues, electronic sign-outs on sets and sign-ins at auditions, which will also help us better track diversity and ageism in casting. Chair, National Diversity Committee; I’ve served for 15 years on the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee.

Mike Hodge

Current NY President, National VP NY. Increasing work opportunities for members is my top priority. Thanks to our efforts on the Tax Incentive Program, work in Film, Television and New Media is growing year over year, and now we are working to add jobs for singers and dancers and have laid the groundwork for legislation to eliminate scams and protect our background community as well as working to recapture VO/Commercials. New York State AFL-CIO Executive Council Member. National and New York Local Boards, Industry Advancement Cooperative Fund Trustee (IACF), Committees: National and New York Executive, Professional Representatives, TV/Theatrical Negotiating, Basic Cable Negotiating, NetCode Negotiating, Corporate/Educational and Non-Broadcast Negotiating, National and Local: Organizing, Government Review, Communications.

Rebecca Damon

As national Executive Vice President, I’ve played a key role in modernizing SAG-AFTRA. Innovations like our mobile app and direct deposit of residuals make our union more accessible and put money in our pockets faster. I’m passionate about organizing non-union work to create more jobs — like our terrific victory at Telemundo. A working SAG-AFTRA & Equity member, I’m committed to providing programs that help build careers: “Business of the Biz”, Voiceover, Computer, On-Camera Labs, Casting Access. SAG-AFTRA Foundation Officer and Chair, Robin Williams Center. National and New York Board. Incumbent Vice President. Committees: Executive; Finance; Government Affairs and Public Policy; President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach and Engagement. Chair: Government Review; Member Outreach, Relations, and Education; MOVE.

Liz Zazzi

Proud working tri-union member since 1986, serving you on the SAG-AFTRA National and Local Board since merger. Prior to that, SAG Board since 2000, six-time AFTRA Convention Delegate, SAG NY Board Secretary, SAG-AFTRA NY Co-Vice President, Commercial Strike Captain, Joseph C. Riley Award recipient. I served on the G1 in multiple work groups and helped deliver merger. Member communication and swift staff responsiveness are my priorities. National Committees: Executive, Probable Cause, Communications (Chair), Editorial Sub-Committee (Chair), consistently delivering diverse and inclusive national and local publications. Educate. Engage. Empower. Together, we continue to shine a spotlight on SAG-AFTRA and organized labor.

Maureen Donnelly

I’m proud to be part of the USAN Team working together, leading and engaging our diverse and vibrant New York membership. Today we have increased production and employment opportunities, a welcoming new office, and a revitalized membership enjoying enriching activities and events.We need minds and voices open to fresh ideas, embracing the future while expanding on the best of the past and present. Vote now to carry that vision forward. I’d be honored to receive your support. Incumbent New York First Vice President, National and Local Boards, Convention Delegate; Executive, Finance, Government Review Committees; SAG New York President 1985-1991; Treasurer SAG-AFTRA Foundation; Chairman SAG-AFTRA MPPWF.

Jim Kerr

Incumbent. Member of multiple national and local committees including the Government Review and Broadcast Steering committees. As Vice-Chair of the NY Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee, I work with members and staff to influence legislation on a state and federal level that benefits performers and increases job opportunities. Board Member, SAG-AFTRA Foundation. Active in promoting greater participation in our union by young performers. My work brings me into regular contact with members across all categories  giving me a unique perspective of the diverse nature of our membership. It’s an honor to serve you, with your support, I’d like to continue.

Rick Zahn

I became an actor after almost 30 years in the corporate world and EARNED my SAG, AFTRA and EQUITY cards. To learn about the unions, I got involved and was elected as an Inaugural Convention Delegate in 2013. I have since been elected to the NY Local Board, Convention Delegate 2015, and attended several National Board Meetings as an alternate. Committees: TV/Theatrical Negotiating, Disciplinary Review, Military Personnel and Families Support, Commercial Performers. With your support, I’d be honored to continue to fight for you in growing and strengthening our union and recapturing commercial work for New Yorkers.

Marc Baron

We must continue growing and moving forward, working together, facing challenges and representing all members nationwide including background and stand-ins. I ask for your vote to continue my dedicated service to fellow members. Shepherd of The Lambs. US Navy Veteran. SAG Board 4 years, current SAG-AFTRA NY Board 5 years; member since 1979. Joseph C. Riley Award recipient. Committees: Low Budget, Military Personnel & Families Support, MOVE, MORE (Vice Chair), NY Host, Reinstatement Obligations Review (Vice Chair), National Disciplinary Review, frequent National Board Replacement. TV/Theatrical Negotiations Alternate, two-time Convention Delegate. Former: National BAC, NY BAC (Vice Chair), NY SAG-AFTRA WGAE Film Society.

Avis Boone

With so much anti-union sentiment, right-to-work “for less”  must be in our crosshairs. It’s time for increased wages under New Media contracts. I want to continue efforts to strengthen and enforce our contracts, increase work opportunities for ALL members and address the challenges faced by those under the protected groups: people of color, seniors, performers with disabilities, LGBT. Help me to make our voices heard. Joseph C. Riley Award recipient. Committees: Vice-Chair SAG-AFTRA NY Women’s; Ethnic Employment Opportunity; Commercial Performers; Commercials Negotiating; TV/Theatrical Negotiating; Conservatory. Co-President, Women in the Arts & Media Coalition. Past SAG National Board, SAG-AFTRA Convention Delegate.

Christine Bruno

I’ve been fighting for increased representation for disabled actors like myself for 25 years. A proud union member since 2000, when not on set, I’m advocating for the full inclusion of ALL underrepresented artists through nonprofit work at Inclusion in the Arts. Committees: Chair, New York Local Performers with Disabilities (PWD); National PWD; AMPTP-PWD Task Force; Women’s; Conservatory; Convention Delegate since merger. I will fight to ensure that ALL members enjoy equal access to opportunity, and equitable treatment and compensation. A truly diverse and inclusive SAG-AFTRA is our most powerful weapon. Please vote for me and the entire USAN team!

Wayne Duvall

I am running for the NY Local Board as well as a delegate to the Convention. I’ve made my living as a working union actor for 23 years now working primarily under the principal contract. I’ve only recently dipped my toe in the workings of the union and now believe it’s time to dive in and start to give back to the union that has given me so much. Please support me, Mike Hodge and the USAN team.

Nick Fondulis

In my 10+ years as a union performer, I’ve worked as a Series Regular/Background/Principal/Supporting/VO/Guest Star/Recurring in TV, Films, Commercials & New Media. Along the way I’ve converted several non-union projects into pension paying SAG-AFTRA productions & want to help our union nimbly evolve, so it can soundly navigate the swiftly shifting technology of our present & future. Currently I am a member of Next Generation Performers (NGP), MORE (Member Outreach, Relations & Education), MOVE (Members Organizing Volunteer Efforts), and a key participant in webinars & seminars offered by PTEOE (President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement) & I’m a SAG-AFTRA Foundation Volunteer.

Janette Gautier

Incumbent. Open Door Committee (Chairperson), Network Code Negotiating Committee, NY Executive Committee, Honors and Tributes (Local Vice-Chair), NY Governance Review Committee (Vice-Chair). NY AFTRA board member and officer for decades, I am proud to be a Heller Gold Card recipient for service to the membership.My priorities: Organizing, member involvement and services, transparency. I have helped to re-establish the Open Door Program,and it will be available to you again this Fall. After working for merger for 30 years, I’ll continue to fight for the SAG-AFTRA UNION we envisioned. Preserve, Enforce, Expand, Recruit, Organize! As always, my voice is yours.

Traci Godfrey

A proud Legacy SAG Board Member for over a decade; Current National Board Member of SAG-AFTRA; Fiercely committed committee member – past and present – including LGBT (National Chair), Performance Capture, Commercial Performers, Voice Over, Women’s, and Legislative. I’m acutely aware of the advancements made, the challenges overcome, and the needed progress that must continue. I’m personally dedicated to forward movement for our entire SAG-AFTRA membership. I will continue being your liaison giving “voice” to your concerns and ideas in order to make a difference for ALL during this vital time in our union.

Ed Heavey

I have 8 years of Federal service in the USPS (6 years as shop steward/convention delegate), 10 years in the US Army (Member, Veterans in Film & Television), and over 30 years as a parent. I work SAG-AFTRA contracts including acting, stunt and stand-in. I also serve on the Healthcare Safety Net Committee. One way or another, I’ve been serving and protecting most of my life. I humbly offer my knowledge, experience and drive to further assisting my brothers and sisters. Stay safe and I’ll see you on set!

Cort Hessler

SAG-AFTRA member since 1991. EMMY and SAG Award Winning Stunt Coordinator. I believe Safety is #1 on set. I will continue to serve on the National Stunt and Safety Committee (since 2002). In the past year I’ve been able to help unite the NY Stunt community and SAG-AFTRA on key issues. With the help of the present leadership there has been positive progress. I would like to be a part of the continued positive progress on a larger scale and help UNITE all of our Union. Together our voices as one can push our union to greatness.

Anita Hollander

As a 2017 Winner of the Joseph C. Riley Service Award for outstanding contributions to SAG-AFTRA members, I’m a working actor who’s advocated for other actors for over three decades. I believe every member deserves a voice. In addition to being National Chair of Performers With Disabilities and National Vice Chair of Diversity Advisory Committee, I’ve served on Legacy AFTRA and SAG-AFTRA National Boards, TV/Theatrical Negotiating, and Joint Diversity Task Forces with AMPTP, AEA, WGAE, DGA, PGA, CSA and Broadway League. I also serve on GAPP, Organizing and Communications Committees, including the Website Subcommittee developing our new mobile app.

Sandra Karas

You know me! And I have met so many of you in the course of doing tax or financial seminars for MOVE/MORE and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. I’m a member of your NY Local Board and a frequent National Board replacement. My committee work includes Reinstatement Obligations Review (Chair), Disciplinary Review (Chair), Government Review, and Government Affairs and Public Policy, where I continue to update the QPA (Qualified Performing Artist) provision. I’m Equity’s Secretary-Treasurer and Director of Volunteer Income Tax (VITA) Program. Nearly four decades a union member, I’ve worked for years on your behalf and I hope to continue – for you – for all of us!

Verania Kenton

SAG-AFTRA & AEA working member since 2002, Costa Rican-Cuban, Afro Latina. I’m serving to fight for contracts that protect our ability to work. We’re here to make a difference not just for ourselves, but also for our brothers and sisters, regardless of race, creed, gender, disability, etc. Proud to volunteer and serve our union, 10+ years, working for the greater good of our membership. Committees: Chair SAG-AFTRA NY Conservatory/National Vice-Chair, MOVE, MORE, EEOC and Diversity, Spanish Language Media, Organizing, Reinstatement Obligations Review, New York Host, Honors and Tributes. Vote USAN. Together united as One Great Union, SAG-AFTRA, the new legacy!

Gerald Kline

Incumbent. Chair, NY Background Advisory Committee; Vice-Chair: Open Door, National Background Actors committees. During three decades, serving on two unions’ Negotiating Committees and Boards, I’ve worked to preserve the best of what we’ve had: preventing erosion while shaping future needs. That same task continues in growing our new union. I will continue fighting for Background performers while balancing national needs vs. NY essentials – not always a subtle balance. Personally, I’m blessed with pensions founded on work under many union contracts – giving motivation to expand future benefits for our members. Preserve, Enforce, Expand, Recruit, Organize!

Ezra Knight

Elected on a Pro-Merger platform to National & Local Boards in 2011, I’ve been directly part of and witness to the many victories and challenges our union has experienced. Amidst assaults on labor unions nationally, the proliferation of non-union work, and lack of diversity, here we still stand: the largest, most visible, most viable, most successful labor union in the world. Committees: Diversity Advisory, EEOC (NY Local Chair; National Vice-Chair), NY Interguild Diversity. Experienced, proven leadership with new ideas for our future is what is needed. Nationally and locally I seek to continue the greater work ahead.

Elaine LeGaro

Former AFTRA N.Y. President, Vice President; Boards: SAG-AFTRA, AFTRA 32 years, SAG 15 years, Editorial, GIAA, Duke Ellington Center for Arts; Committees: Negotiating, Wages & Working Conditions, Open Door (35 years), Convention Procedures, Awards, National Health Care, Guild Goverhment Review; Chair: Women’s (25 years), Senior’s Strike, Conservatory; Recipient Joseph C. Riley – WIN Awards. Priorities: Employment, Less Non-Union Work, Strong Contracts, Protected Groups, Pension & Health Funds. I’m not held captive to politics. Principles First – speak my mind – sensitve to performaers’ needs – will face future challenges. Strenth of one’s Vision makes a valuable Boared Director. I have that vision & would be honored to have your support. Vote with your heart, you can trust it.

Adrian Martinez

I never thought I’d be in this position — a SAG-AFTRA board member! I’ve always thought someone else would assume this responsibility, and I could just do my movies and TV. But serving these two years has enriched and educated my life. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished — the health plans merged, Telemundo is now SAG-AFTRA, the SAG-AFTRA app is up and running, direct deposit is on the way, and we are better positioned to negotiate strong new contracts. I love my union! Please vote for me, President Carteris, Rebecca Damon, Mike Hodge, and the USAN Leadership team.

Joseph Melendez

For more than 20 years I’ve worked as a union actor and I understand our struggles in this ever-changing industry. More than ever we need leadership that truly speaks for our members. For the last 2 years with the USAN Team, I have done just that. As a SAG-AFTRA convention delegate, in the NY Local & National Board room, and as part of the 2017 TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee, my priority has been to make YOUR voice heard. Help us continue moving SAG-AFTRA toward the future. Join me in supporting Mike Hodge and USAN. Solidarity!

Jack Mulcahy

Hello, union sisters and brothers. I’d like to continue serving as a member of the SAG-AFTRA NY Local Board, and as Convention Delegate. I look forward to continuing my work on the Low Budget Film Committee, and as National Vice Chairman of the SAGIndie Committee. I have had the privilege of working on both the 2014 and 2017 TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committees. I want to strengthen our contracts with wage increases, including New Media, and pension & health benefits across the board. With your help, I’ll focus all my energies securing even better benefits for our membership.

Jay Potter

Five years into building a new union, our work continues. It is with great pleasure that if re-elected, I will continue to serve the membership. Thank you for your trust in my leadership, communication skills and ability to help enforce our contracts, organize work and negotiate better wages and working conditions. In the face of political opposition to unions and the basic needs of the common worker, a fierce push back is essential. Let’s rededicate ourselves and work together. Again, I ask for your vote and for the entire USAN team. Diverse. Progressive. Innovative. Strategic. Strong. VOTE USAN.

Linda Powell

Current National and NY Local Board member. The environment we work in is shifting rapidly and requires us to react with strength and flexibility. We, the membership, are the union and my most important role is to be your voice as we navigate those changes. Our biggest challenge is the radical fragmentation of content and it’s effect on our members’ livelihoods. If elected,  I pledge to support the efforts of staff to uphold the integrity of our current contracts while working towards solutions to that challenge. Committees: National Ethnic Employment Opportunity, Government Affairs and Public Policy, Reinstatement Obligations Review, Communications, Military Personnel and Families Support, NY Diversity, NY Healthcare Safety Net, Professional Representation.

John Rothman

Member of SAG and AFTRA since the 70s, I ran for the board to further the cause of merger and help it succeed. I have represented working actors in the 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2017 TV/Theatrical Negotiations. I was vice-chair of the 2017 W&W Committee and am deeply engaged in the cause. I love acting and am very fortunate for the many gratifying work opportunities I’ve had. See www.johnrothmanactor.com for details. I have always been grateful for the union that has worked to monetize those opportunities as well as to serve and protect us.

“Now more than ever, our union needs smart and tough leaders to negotiate contracts which will have a long-lasting impact on our members. I endorse John Rothman, who will fight hard for us all.”
-Alec Baldwin

“John Rothman is an indefatigable fighter for the rights of working actors and future of our union. I have know him for over forty years and trust his integrity and his zeal. I hope you will support him in his bid to represent us in New York.”
—Meryl Streep

Sarah Seeds

As Co-Chair of Next Gen Performers NY (MOVE subcommittee), I’m dedicated to bringing the importance of unionism to our younger members. I was a 2015 delegate and I’m excited to run again for delegate AND NY Local Board. I work in Film, TV, and New Media and have produced my own New Media projects. Having a Union to protect us in our evolving industry is supremely important. Our generation is the future and it’s important that we remain active and keep the Union strong. I’ve benefited from the Union greatly and I want to give back.

Kevin Scullin

Over 25 years a working Union actor. It’s an honor to have your support as a SAG-AFTRA Board member. I am an impassioned advocate for all NY Union members. I support organizing more work opportunities, exercising sound fiscal responsibility, smart effective contracts, broadening outreach and communication to the membership. Spearheaded new Member Mobile App and upcoming Website revamp. I ask for your vote to continue to serve and represent you on the SAG-AFTRA Board and as a Convention Delegate. Committees: Member Organizing Volunteer Efforts (MOVE); Member Outreach, Relations, and Education (MORE); Communications; National Co-Chair, Website; Honors and Tributes; Organizing; SAGIndie; NY Host; LGBT; Singers, Stunt and Dancers Advocate.

leslie Shreve

Great thanks to you who voted for me in the past! I honor your confidence – and truly value your trust. It is a challenge and a privilege to add to our professional growth in this unpredictable world. We have many accomplishments since merger. I specifically invite you to take advantage of a complimentary membership perk for ALL members fostered by your Women’s Committee – (Chair): Check this out at www.womenartsmedia.org. Please be wise with your precious vote – choose a SAG-AFTRA team who consistently “shows up” and works ardently, and creatively for ALL members…vote for YOUR team – USAN

Janice Pendarvis

I’m a veteran NY singer and voiceover actor with experience in union government, many years of knowledge of singer and recording artist issues across the country, an understanding of our contracts and the ability to see SAG-AFTRA as distinct from both legacy unions. I’m running because our National Board needs someone from NY with my experience and perspective. I believe that SAG-AFTRA must become more visibly engaged in the music business. Incumbent. NY Local Board member. Chair, NY Singers Committee. Vice Chair – 2014 Sound Recordings Negotiating Committee. Former SAG and AFTRA National Board member. Former Recording Academy NY Chapter Governor.

Jamal Story

During my NY local board tenure, and years of carrying AFTRA, SAG and Equity cards, I’ve watched the relationship between unions and performers from several angles: as a performer on Broadway, touring with Cher and Madonna, choreographing for television, and dancing with 501(c)(3) companies. More recently, I co-chaired the Music Video negotiating committee, resulting in a contract with higher minimums and more background jobs. Appointed by the late Ken Howard to the President’s Task Force for Education, Outreach and Engagement (PTEOE) I’ve connected nationwide with members from all categories, narrowing the distance between my goals and the people they serve. Vote USAN.

Jeff Spurgeon

I’m a broadcaster, running for another Local Board term to speak for and protect broadcasters’ interests within SAG-AFTRA, and to support our staff who negotiate and enforce our contracts. No organization protects broadcasters in New York and across the country as SAG-AFTRA does. I seek your vote to continue to engage, understand, and support our members across categories or any other boundary that can be drawn to divide us.We can be distinct in our crafts and yet be united. We must carefully protect and build our union, so that it can better protect us. Committees: Executive, Finance, Broadcast Steering.

Christine Nagy

I started my broadcast career in NY and have worked here steadily for two decades. As Co-Host of the morning drive show on Lite-FM, I write and report news, entertainment, sports, traffic and weather. Whether on camera or behind the microphone, I’ve dealt with vigorous challenges in a rapidly evolving industry. New demands and multiple platforms make me keenly aware of the importance of organized labor and how we must educate and mentor the next generation of media artists. I’d be honored to return to the Board to fight for the concerns and needs of broadcasters and all members.