Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/605448
10 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org A Letter from the Secretary-Treasurer J A N E A U S T I N "Open and straightforward reporting to the membership is my mission." quarter and received a clean audit opinion with no notes or adjustments from our accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. Revenue continues to look good with new joins up about 10 percent over last year. In some markets, the increases were even higher. We are also ahead of prior year numbers in dues, and fees and expenses continue on plan. There will be more for me to report in the coming months and we will strive to be as fully transparent and detailed as possible within the bounds of confidentiality. Union service has been a wonderful experience for me. Serving on the boards helped give me the foundation to take on the role of Secretary-Treasurer, but what sets me apart is my dedication to our union and to the membership. I wish each of you a very happy holiday and a joyful New Year. In solidarity, Jane Austin Dear Member, T hank you for your votes in this past election. I am thrilled and tremendously excited to be your Secretary-Treasurer – and believe me, I am going to work hard to represent your best interests. With such a large membership, it is difficult to meet and talk one-on-one, but I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming years. I also want you to know me as an elected officer, a fiscal steward and as a fellow member. I am a stunt professional by trade and have been since my first job in 1988. Stunt work is not for the faint of heart – just ask my husband Kurt Lott. Kurt is also a stunt performer and coordinator who captured my heart when we met atop a 65-story building. Kurt threw me off the top of the building, and I fell for him – literally! Since then, Kurt and I have been blessed with a daughter and three sons ages 13 to 32. My oldest son serves in the Marines and has gifted Kurt and me with two beautiful granddaughters. My family is my heart, my spirit and my joy. Serving the union as a volunteer is also a big part of my life. I first served during Melissa Gilbert's presidency at Screen Actors Guild and have served continuously on the SAG, AFTRA and SAG-AFTRA National Boards of Directors. Over the years, I was appointed to four TV/Theatrical negotiating committees and have first-hand knowledge of the crucial role the union plays in members' lives. That's why I ran for national office and it's why I am very excited to focus my energy and efforts in these important areas. There is much I hope to achieve over the next two years as your Secretary- Treasurer, including empowering staff in the enforcement of our contracts and enhancing our services to background actors, singers, dancers and stunt performers. You'll also find me supporting efforts to implement electronic payment of residuals and making sure that unclaimed residuals processing times continue to improve. Open and straightforward reporting to the membership is my mission and you can count on that here, in your member magazine. I am pleased to report that we are tracking ahead of our budget for the first