Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/756468
86 CINEMONTAGE / Q4 2016 86 CINEMONTAGE / Q4 2016 benefits plans, and a tremendous loyalty representing his members. Ron's service as a Special Representative for the IATSE enabled him to help all members of the IA. He has advocated for and supported our organization in countless negotiations and organizing drives across the United States and Canada. From his work in Montreal to his participation in HBO and in many other assignments and negotiations, Ron's work has greatly benefited the whole of the IA. For more than 30 years, Ron has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a tireless work ethic, and dedication to his members. As for his role as National Executive Director for the Editors Guild many others are far more qualified than I to speak of his achievements. But I can attest to his work as a Director of the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans, and Co-Chair of the Finance Committee, and that his institutional knowledge of the plans is vast. His understanding of the structure and funding of the plans informed decisions and determinations that have provided tremendous benefit to all of the participants in the plans. There is no component more critical to the MPIPHP than the finances and investments, and Ron has effectively served as our steward. Every participant in the plans has benefited from Ron's dedication, keen interest and financial acumen. On a more personal note, I will always be especially grateful to Ron for his guidance and generosity in sharing his knowledge and experience over the 15 years we've been colleagues and friends. He has been — and continues to be — willing to teach, share, inform and sometimes force his knowledge upon me and other trustees of the plan. No one has taught me more about the MPIPHP. His willingness to do so will continue to serve the MPI participants long after Ron has ridden his Harley off into retirement. Having played with Ron once, I'm sure that golf isn't part of his retirement plan. If it is, it shouldn't be. I do know, however, that his motorcycle is part of that plan. So, Ron, as you ride off, keep the shiny side up and the rubber on the road! Michael F. Miller, Jr. IATSE International Vice President/Department Director, Motion Picture and TV Production n When Ron's retirement was officially announced, a wave of emotion came over me. I've worked for Mr. Kutak for 28 years; I've grown up working for him, and we've grown older together. As many of us have worked side-by-side for so long, for so many hours week after week, we have become like family and Ron's the quintessential, perfect big brother: He's always right, always smarter, and the first to flip your hat off when you're having a bad hair day; he is also, without any hesitation, the first to stand up for you and protect you. The Guild has increased in size almost threefold since Ron first assumed leadership. He's held the Guild together amid the myriad pressing self- interests of each individual classification, and built a strong, financially healthy, widely respected post-production community. Always maintaining that all members be treated equally, Ron has ensured that the Guild is greater than the sum of all its parts. I have witnessed the deep care, concern, strategizing and tough decision-making that he puts into his daily work and future planning. My all-time favorite trait of Ron's is his ability, with just a few discerning questions, to cut to the chase and identify the heart of the matter. When a problem looms hugely to me, Ron breaks it down and methodically implements a decisive plan of attack. I hope I've been a good assistant to him. He's been the best boss ever! I've been proud to work at his side all these years — proud of