Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/756468
89 Q4 2016 / CINEMONTAGE put together an indispensable working relationship with the IA. "Ron put it all together," Short said. Repola also debuted a video tribute made by the MPEG staff, featuring their determination to find a "suitable office" for Kutak in his new role as National Executive Director Emeritus. She and Membership Services Manager Adriana Iglesias-Dietl considered several nooks and crannies in the Los Angeles office, including a utility closet in the basement. The staff members offered their farewells and reflections about their boss, some heartfelt and others comedic. Also in the video appeared Scott George, who assumed the role of Western Executive Director November 1; Executive Administrator Lisa Dosch; Organizers Rob Callahan and Preston Johnson; Field Representatives Jacky Olitsky, Karen Greene, Ann Hadsell and Jessica Pratt; Administrative Assistant Penny Barth; Publications Director and CineMontage Editor Tomm Carroll; Training Coordinator Dieter Rozek; and Accounting Manager Meleney Humphrey — all offering their thoughts and reflections. The video was edited by picture editor and Board member John Vitale. Repola said that Kutak often made an analogy about Guild members. There were two types of people — "those who sat in the front of the classroom and always raised their hands to be called on, and those who sat in the back, who would question authority," Repola recalled. "Ron believes those of us who end up working for unions are generally those who sat in the back." Other testimonials to Kutak came via video from Tony Lennon, former President of the British Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU), and Johannes Studinger, Director of the Union Network International, Media and Entertainment International (UNI-MEI). Studinger reminded attendees of the international reach of trade union work and the IATSE's ongoing role in it. "Ours is the cause to improve the lives of others," he said. Juliana Yanow, Ron's wife, added her heartfelt observations. "When Ron announced his retirement, he got many e-mails from members thanking him for the quality of life they enjoyed," she said. She also reminded us of a quality not often noticed in her husband — humility. She gently chided her husband about his tireless strategic drive, even in playing friendly board games, and added that he never did anything for his own aggrandizement, quipping, "Is he really going?" Ron Kutak, the guest of honor, had the last word. He remembered Liz Algarin, who recommended he work for the Editors Guild. He remembered David Miller, who mentored him there. He remembered Bill Elias and Diane Adler, ACE — both Board members — who helped him understand the workings of the Guild's Board of Directors. He thanked the Guild's past presidents and Board members for always supporting him and for always debating the issues, "but ultimately speaking with one unified voice," he said. "I feel so honored. It feels so nice," concluded Kutak. f Top, left: MPEG then-Western Executive Director Cathy Repola. Left: Ron Kutak, center, listening to tributes at his retirement gala. Below: AMPTP President Carol Lombardini pays tribute to Ron Kutak. Bottom: MPEG President Alan Heim.