Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1542348
14 B O B B I B A N K S F E L L O W S H I P A N D S E R V I C E A W A R D GWEN WHITTLE S O U N D E D I T O R When I first started out in my career, I was lucky enough to be nominated for a MPSE or two. The MPSE sends out these lovely calligraphied certificates when you get a nomination. As president of the MPSE in those years, Bobbi signed them with her charismatic signature. I remember looking at those signatures wondering what this person was like with such an iconic writing style. A few years later I had the pleasure of serving on the AMPAS sound executive committee with Bobbi. I never told her about my signature awe, but I did feel a bit fan girly when I finally met her in real life. Within the committee, she was the wrangler of the diversity committee, a fabulous way of bringing the wider world into the sound branch of the Academy. I watched Bobbi energize the group of us to think further than the English-speaking film community to find qualified potential members. Her patience and understanding with all of us who were working while searching, taught me a lot about the best ways to supervise exhausted, yet motivated creatives. She is generous with her knowledge and energy. She is smart, kind and fair. She personifies the absolute best of what people are capable of. I am so honored to know her and so very happy that she is being recognized for being the shining star that she is! Congratulations Bobbi!!! MARK LANZA M P S E , A T A S I have served on many boards with Bobbi, she loves to give back to the community that has given her so much. She has laid the groundwork for minorities in our industry and continues to give of herself. Congratulations Bobbi on another major accomplishment! MARY ELLEN PORTO S O U N D E D I T O R Bobbi is one of the kindest and most spiritually generous people I have the pleasure of knowing. I first became aware of her when she was the only female dubbing room assistant in her early days at Sound One and got toknow her better as a friend and colleague when she did a job in nyc where I had the good fortune to be working as well. One of the many things I appreciate about Bobbi is that she always sees bigger than just the world right in front of her. As a member of the Executive Sound Branch of AMPAS Bobbi worked tirelessly to reach out to sound editors from states and countries that are often not well represented in these organizations. She reached out to people of different backgrounds so that AMPAS could become a more inclusive institution than it had been for years. Similarly when she became a Governor of the Sound Branch at the TV Academy she noticed there were no New York sound editors on the boardso she reached out to a few of us in New York. She welcomed our input and strove to make sure that New York was included in events and screenings. Meeting Bobbi allowed me to think big in regards to my own sound editing work as well. By seeing me as worthy of being a part of these storied film and tv institutions she gave me a sense of belonging that I had never really felt. She is one of those rare people who truly lifts those around her. To Bobbi I just want to say, thank you so much for being who you are and for all you've done for your fellow colleagues & friends. I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed the fantastic combination of your joyous nature and your funny and cynical sense of humor. My life is definitely richer with you as a part of it. Congratulations on this well deserved honor! I am so happy to see you celebrated for the amazing person you are. LYNDON BARROIS D I R E C T O R Bobbi is a legend in the game. A consummate professional in all aspects of the term. The arc of her career exemplifies the dedication and excellence that is required to achieve what she has in both film and television. And on top of all of that, she is an incredibly generous and giving person. Giving of her time, expertise, and shared experience, to mentor the next generations and beyond. Simply put, Bobbi is just damn nice. And in this business, that's rare air indeed. A huge CONGRATULATIONS to my friend. This honor is so well deserved! Banks Notes