The Directors Guild of America has extended Russell Hollander’s employment contract as national executive director until the end of 2029.
The extension comes about two weeks before the DGA is scheduled to begin its collective bargaining process with the Motion Picture and Television Producers Alliance on May 11. Mr. Hollander is a veteran of the union for more than 25 years and has been at the helm since 2017.
DGA Chairman Christopher Nolan confirmed Hollander’s contract extension on Monday. As the entertainment and media landscape continues to change, the role that guilds play in protecting the interests and rights of artists has never been more important.
“As national executive director for nearly a decade, Russ has been a steward of the guild and its members, seeing us through a period of great upheaval in the industry,” Nolan said. “From the pandemic to strikes to global production cuts, Russ has always prioritized and protected the interests of our members and worked closely with me, past Guild presidents, and the National Board of Directors. We are grateful for his continued service to our community.”
Mr. Hollander joined the DGA in New York in 2001 as Deputy Executive Director.
“I am honored by the board’s continued confidence in my service to our members, especially during a time of incredible change,” Hollander said. “The beauty of our Guild is our clear and singular mission to advance the creative and economic rights of our members. And the secret to our longstanding success is the strong partnership between our elected leaders and professional staff to achieve that purpose. At a time when worker rights need strong advocates, we are honored to be dedicated to that purpose and the members we serve.”
