Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1529459
8 4 I D G A M O N T H L Y On November 11, DGA National Executive Director Russell Hollander announced that Vada Hedgeman has been promoted to the position of Assistant Executive Director. In his new post, Hedgeman will serve as the staff liaison to the Western AD/SM/PA Council and will be one of the key executives responsible for representing DGA members working on non-dramatic programs. "I am delighted to have Vada as our newest addition to the executive team," said Hollander. "With his extensive union experience, Vada's expertise will be invaluable in service to our members as we continue to navigate the evolving landscape of our industry. We and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to the Guild." Hedgeman began working at the DGA in early 2022 as the Administrator of the Residuals Enforcement Department, overseeing a staff of 10 in pursuit of unpaid residuals. Prior to his work at the Guild, he took on similar roles in residuals enforcement and contract administration at SAG-AFTRA and the American Federation of Musicians. He received his BA in Management from the University of Maine at Presque Isle and also holds certificates of Specialization in Leadership & Management and Specialization in Business in Society Certificate from Harvard Business School. Hedgeman will now report directly to Associate National Executive Director/Western Executive Director Rebecca Rhine and indirectly to Associate National Executive Director/Eastern Executive Director Neil Dudich on matters related to non-dramatic programs. Vada Hedgeman promoted to Assistant Executive Director DGA Staff Update IN MEMORIAM Nicholas Q. Batchelor, UPM Milton A. Fruchtman, DR David A. Harp, DIR Cynthia Malek, AD Carolyn Raskin, DIR Mark P. Rasmussen, DIR Joseph A. Viola, DIR C. J. Waldman, DIR EASTERN REGION ADDITIONS Michael Avitable, SM Jorge A. Bustamante, AD Dominique Lynell Clark, 2AD Mikaela Davis, SM Humberto J. Garcia, 2AD Jack A. Kempner, AD Sarah-Michelle Leger, 2AD Huxley Rodriguez, UPM Patricia E. Surber, AD Brooke M. Weiss, AD Robert S. Wilcox, PA MEMBERSHIP REPORT WESTERN REGION ADDITIONS James J. Dyer, 1AD Carlos "Eddie" Gress, 2AD Oleksii Smoliar, 1AD Jay Wintringer, UPM PRIMARY CATEGORY CHANGES Ben Byland to 1AD Melissa Erin Feuchtinger to UPM Marisia Moreno to 1AD Nicole Rodgers to 1AD Kyle E. Weygandt to 1AD