Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
24 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2025 | sagaftra.org News, Information and Benefits SAG-AFTRA Members Elect Sean Astin President, Linda Powell EVP and Michelle Hurd Secretary- Treasurer I n September, SAG-AFTRA members elected Sean Astin as the union's new president, and his two-year term began Sept. 12. Also elected to the union's top leadership positions were Linda Powell as executive vice president and Michelle Hurd as secretary-treasurer. "Now is a time for optimism and creativity. I am thrilled that the members have allowed me to lead our storied organization out of this challenging moment and into a future defined by confidence, progress and fierce advocacy. I congratulate my running mate, Michelle Hurd, and every member across all 25 locals who put themselves forward to serve. I look forward to working with all of you. I have to thank my wife, Christine, and our daughters, Ali, Elizabeth and Bella, for their love and support. Finally, I am the first second-generation president of our union. My mother, Patty Duke, modeled for me the awesome responsibility of caring for every member of our union. I'm excited to get to work," Astin said. The following month, delegates at the national convention reelected Powell as the union's executive vice president. "I am deeply honored and humbled by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me. This is an incredible responsibility, and I'm energized by the chance to work with such talented, dedicated leaders and members. Together, we can make meaningful change in our rapidly evolving industry," Powell said. On being elected to her first term as secretary-treasurer, Hurd said, "To my fellow SAG-AFTRA members, I am excited to get to work alongside President Astin on behalf of all of us. As secretary-treasurer, I promise to guard and grow our resources and do my best to build a secure foundation that provides support to us all." SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland welcomed the officers saying, "Congratulations to all of our newly elected leaders. SAG-AFTRA is incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated, hard-working people in leadership, who will uplift, support, and fight for our members. I look forward to working with them and with all of our elected leaders nationwide as we advance the initiatives and goals that will protect our members and strengthen our union." The union's seven vice presidents were elected at the national convention at the end of October. See story on page 70. T wo years ago, SAG-AFTRA members staged the longest TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike in the union's history, primarily over A.I. provisions. With contract negotiations coming up soon, now is the time to build on the success we fought so hard for. The SAG-AFTRA National Board appointed the negotiating committee at its Oct. 28 meeting, and the union's negotiators need to hear from you on which elements of the contracts matter most to you, so they can best represent your interests at the bargaining table. Known as the "wages and working conditions" process, and commonly referred to as W&W's, these meetings are instrumental to crafting the best possible contract, and members' involvement is critical. Visit sagaftra.org/contracts2026 for times and details of upcoming TV/Theatrical/Streaming W&W meetings. Your Contract Is in Your Hands Attend a W&W Meeting Sean Astin Linda Powell Michelle Hurd ROCCO CESSELIN