Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1401622
44 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2021 | sagaftra.org something that's really close to my heart. I'm excited about the chance to work together with our amazing staff and with our committed and devoted members and elected leadership to do our very best to protect members and advance their interests. Q: As the new NED, what are your priorities and goals over the next three years? A: My very first priority is to make sure that our members — all our members — are able to make it safely through the pandemic and have the opportunity to fully return to work as soon as possible. The past 16 months have been incredibly difficult for so many. I'm very proud of the work we have done to keep members safe as they began returning to work last summer, but the industry hasn't fully recovered and things aren't yet back to normal. Remaining vigilant about member safety always comes first, but we're also very eager to help producers and employers in all parts of the industry get our members back to work. Negotiations and contract enforcement are always a top priority for SAG-AFTRA, and never more so than now. I am currently negotiating successor agreements to our Sound Recordings Code and our Telemundo agreement, but I am also looking forward to sitting down at the table to negotiate our upcoming Commercials Contracts and our TV/ Theatrical Contract after that. We have real challenges in all these contract areas, but real opportunities too, including opportunities to maximize our bargaining strength and leverage to achieve the best results possible. I'm also eager for us to leverage technology to make the operations of the union more effective and efficient. That's not code for reducing staff; to the contrary, we need to gradually and responsibly increase our staff. In doing so, it's essential that our staff is as efficient as possible. We need them doing fewer rote and repetitive tasks that can be automated. Instead, they must be focused on doing the complex and challenging tasks that only our expert, experienced human staff can do. This brings the prospect of providing a higher level of member service, as well as enabling us to be more effective in contract enforcement and negotiations. Q: How would you describe your style of leadership? A: I would describe myself as collaborative but decisive. We are fortunate to have a strong and experienced staff team at all levels in the organization, but especially at the most senior levels. Those capable and experienced leaders can and will be empowered to make key decisions and keep this union effective and nimble, being proactive and having the ability to respond to change in real time. The power of solidarity and collective action for our members is real. It is equally real for our staff — standing together and fighting together are what get us where we need to go. Clockwise from right, Crabtree-Ireland co-hosts SAG-AFTRA's English and Spanish-language podcasts; leading a livestream for members on the COVID-19 safety protocols of the Return to Work Agreement; and with husband John and their children.