May 15 2021 A Message From the President: NED David White is Stepping Down Read More

Dear Member,

I am writing to let you know that our longtime National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator David White has announced that he will be stepping down from his role later this spring.

David has been an invaluable advocate for our members and deserves immense credit for SAG-AFTRA's success over the past decade. He brought us out of a dark time and into a period of stability and tremendous accomplishment. I know personally that David has been offered numerous opportunities to leave SAG-AFTRA over the years, and I will forever be grateful that he made the decision to stay and see us through the most challenging days of the pandemic.
We are fortunate to have a succession plan in place. At a special meeting held Friday, the SAG-AFTRA National Board authorized me and outside counsel to enter into discussions with longtime SAG-AFTRA Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Duncan Crabtree-Ireland regarding the position. Duncan has served as general counsel of SAG-AFTRA since 2006 and as COO since 2014, and is the union's lead negotiator with the major record labels and with Telemundo Television Studios. Duncan was instrumental in SAG-AFTRA's successful COVID safety response and return-to-work initiatives.

The below recommendation was approved by the board:

The National Board authorizes the president and union outside counsel to conduct a due diligence review and discuss a proposed employment agreement for the position of national executive director and chief negotiator with Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, to be brought back to the National Board for its consideration at its next meeting.

Please know that, as always, the National Board, the officers and I are working in your best interest and will quickly move to ensure the continued success of our beloved union.

Please also take a moment to read the union's announcement of David's news online.

Strength in unity,

Gabrielle Carteris
SAG-AFTRA President

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