Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
SAGAFTRA.org | Spring 2016 | SAG-AFTRA 60 defines that standard. What an honor and privilege it has been to learn from you, John. Also taking in that moment was SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White. When David agreed to become SAG Interim NED in 2009, at what can only be described as a turbulent time, I marveled at his nerves of steel. After I learned he had been both a college football quarterback and a Rhodes Scholar, his fearlessness and focus made sense. As much as I've come to depend on those qualities — especially during the late, make-or-break hours of several negotiations we've helmed — I value another aspect of his character even more. The real key to David's success lies in his ability to rally others, a rare quality in someone so gifted. Thank you, David, for your friendship and invaluable leadership. Three more stars in my office that day were SAG-AFTRA Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Duncan Crabtree- Ireland, Chief Financial Officer Arianna Ozzanto and Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Pam Greenwalt. Here's a tip to all future presidents of SAG-AFTRA: If your general counsel is the lawyer every other lawyer in any room, anywhere, consults to see if they are right, stick close to him. Duncan, you have been the rock on my right through six- plus years of board meetings and I could not have done it without you. Ari, your expertise and treasured advice have been essential to me and so many others in the big decisions we've all faced together. And to my dear friend, Pam: There must be a special place in heaven for those who work so tirelessly to help others, like me, get our messages across with clarity and style. Whether I'm meeting the president of another union or the President of the United States, I can always count on you for exactly the info or insight needed, not to mention countless shared laughs along the way. If I were to single out the rest of our staff professionals for the praise each deserves, I would fill this magazine and still be writing. Those who make it their life's work to protect us as we pursue our dreams are special people indeed. I have seen their commitment and unrivaled dedication in a way few will, and I am here to tell you: We are, truly, stronger together. Of course our union is, first and last, the members. But here again, the list of notables and the praise due to them would fill this and several other magazines. So with apologies, and acknowledgement that there are dozens more who richly deserve mention, I will concentrate on a special few. SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Gabrielle Carteris is a wonder to behold. When she and I ran for the SAG board together in 2008, I couldn't have guessed that this 5-foot-1-inch dynamo and I would end up seeing eye to eye on practically everything, but that's exactly what happened. That I first affirmed my decision to run for SAG president in her welcoming home and later celebrated the evening of our merger with a fully clothed dip in her pool might lead you to believe she is the consummate host, which is true. But far more important, she is the consummate unionist: tireless, fearless, and absolutely dogged in her desire to bring people together for the purpose of moving forward — even when sharp differences must be overcome. I've known many superb leaders, but very few match Gabrielle when it comes to actually living out the creed "We are stronger together." In a job like this, one of course relies on many friends. It may owe a bit to the fact that we are all gentlemen of a certain age and experience, but two staunch allies I have depended on for years are New York President Mike Hodge and National Vice President from Los Angeles Clyde Kusatsu. I would hurry to become the friend of these outstanding men under any circumstance, but I am especially grateful that union service brought our orbits into alignment. As we worked long and hard to make historic changes, Mike and Clyde's warm camaraderie was a sustaining tonic. Their common-sense advice often helps me see the way ahead and their selfless dedication to the tens of thousands of members each represents offers two shining examples for my own service, which they have made better. Hats off, my friends. My debt of gratitude to SAG-AFTRA National Board member and fellow SAG-AFTRA Foundation Board member Rebecca Damon will never be repaid, but here are a few tokens. Leading an organization of SAG-AFTRA's size and scope is consuming business and while our marvelous staff is always there to help, some problems can be resolved only by the elected leaders. When those arise, nothing is so valuable as a trusted advisor who knows each issue in intimate detail and, somehow, has a personal relationship with nearly everyone involved. That is Rebecca. Also, as anyone who has been part of such a large and diverse enterprise knows, the ceaseless planning comes in three flavors: long-term, short-term and right away. Rebecca is an astute sounding board for all three and beyond, and her sage advice and unwavering friendship have never once failed me. And then there is SAG-AFTRA's founding executive vice president, Ned Vaughn, whom I mentioned earlier and whose guidance and vision I value beyond the telling. To call him a friend, an advisor, a leader — none of these is quite adequate, so I'll leave it at this: As all who were part of it know, if you are grateful for the creation of SAG-AFTRA, you owe thanks to many, but to none more than Ned. However, there is one member who eclipses all the rest. And when I tell you that none of it — absolutely none of it — would be possible without her unique participation, you can take it to the bank. When I said that lives don't come much luckier than mine, I was holding an ace up my sleeve. You see, not only have I had a career that fulfills me and an opportunity to serve which has enlarged me, on top of all that I found a woman — a soul mate — who elevates, excites, and emboldens me. Linda, my darling, you have given me more strength and love than I could have hoped for or imagined. There aren't thanks enough, so you'll have to make due with me adoring you forever. My ultimate thanks is to all of you, who inspired me to carry your message, adopt it as my own, and take action to make it real. I have been profoundly honored to serve as your messenger. You sent me forward with a statement of truth and power. Never forget it. We are stronger together. And we always will be. In unity, Ken Howard