Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129167
STUDENTS GET THE GOODS ON UNION MEMBERSHIP T Atlanta he Atlanta Local's conservatory relaunched last year with a slate of engaging and popular workshops and guest-speaker events aimed at increasing the level of professionalism and sense of community for members in the region. With its crowning event of the year, the Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory partnered with the Kennesaw State University Department of heatre and Performance Studies. Beginning with an informational meeting for KSU students, Executive Director Melissa Goodman, former National Board member and past SAG Georgia Branch President Mike Pniewski, and Conservatory Chair Clayton Landey spoke to students about the value of union membership. Later, Landey and Harrison Long, KSU head of acting, moderated an agent roundtable, which featured representatives from local franchised agents. he event, which garnered the attendance of more than 145 people, provided a forum for both members and students to get valuable insight on topics ranging from how new actors should approach getting an agent to how veteran actors can better market themselves. he evening laid the groundwork for future partnerships with KSU and inspired the next generation of union actors. LEGENDARY BROADCASTER BELVA DAVIS GETS WARM SEND-OFF LOCAL GETS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A T community of friends, family and colleagues gathered Feb. 23 in a tribute to Belva Davis at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts to celebrate her retirement from a career spanning more than ive decades as a broadcast journalist. Highlights of the tribute included a humorous video recorded by Bill Cosby and a personal message for Davis from President Barack Obama read by Sen. Dianne Feinstein. SAG-AFTRA Co-President Roberta Reardon attended the festivities, as well. he event included cake and a champagne toast in celebration of Davis and her husband Bill's wedding anniversary. In a rarely seen public moment, the couple took the stage together to thank everyone, shining a light on the love, humor and sense of purpose the couple have shared for many years. San Francisco he New England Local has a new executive director, Susan G. Nelson, who comes to SAG-AFTRA with more than 25 years of experience in labor relations. Since 2008, Nelson has served as counsel to the Connecticut State Employees' Association, SEIU Local 2001 in Hartford. In addition to her critical experience and skills with collective bargaining and labor relations, Nelson also has a strong background in human resources, organizational development, training, government and politics. New England Local Co-Presidents Doug Bowen-Flynn and Paul Horn said in a message to local members, "Nelson will be a great it for the challenges and opportunities we face here in New England. With her excellent communication skills, we believe she'll be a quick study as she learns more about our industry and local." Nelson emerged as a top choice following an extensive search conducted by SAG-AFTRA's National Human Resources department in consultation with a New England Local search committee. Nelson, who started March 1, oversees a staf of six at the New England Local. She was introduced to members at an April 1 membership meeting. New England Left to right, Barbara Rodgers, Belva Davis and Pam Moore SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2013 | SAG-AFTRA 43