Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1433871
76 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2021 | sagaftra.org called the convention to order on Saturday morning with three bangs of the gavel. She was joined in the New York office's Ken Howard Boardroom by then-Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon and NED Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. Those gathered in New York observed the same COVID protocols that the industry uses on productions. The first order of business was electing the national vice presidents. After nominations and elections, the new officers were Ben Whitehair as executive vice president; Michelle Hurd as vice president, Los Angeles; Ezra Knight as vice president, New York; Michele Proude as vice president, mid-sized locals; Suzanne Burkhead as vice president, small locals; William Charlton as vice president, actors/ performers; Bob Butler as vice president, broadcasters; and Janice Pendarvis as vice president, recording artists/singers. After that, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered the keynote address remotely from Newark, New Jersey. She thanked members for entertaining and informing during the pandemic. She lauded the union for its public media organizing wins, SAG-AFTRA's Safe Place and intimacy coordinator initiatives, and the work the union did in developing the back-to-work protocols. "SAG-AFTRA is such a leader and an innovator, and it's an honor to be fighting alongside you," she said. "Together we are a force for good for all working people." In addition to electing national officers, convention delegates considered constitutional amendments and resolutions, and debated resolutions (see page 74). Saturday evening, the George Heller Memorial Awards honored members and staff who have demonstrated exceptional Clockwise from top left, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher gavels the fifth biennial national convention to a close; newly elected Executive Vice President Ben Whitehair; National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland; and Secretary-Treasurer Joely Fisher. "SAG-AFTRA is such a leader and an innovator, and it's an honor to be fighting alongside you … Together we are a force for good for all working people." — Liz Shuler AFL-CIO President