DGA Diversity Chief Frank Gonzalez Beefs Up Responsibilities

Exec will head up development initiative for directors

frankgonzalez

Frank Bennett Gonzalez is expanding his role in overseeing the Directors Guild of America’s diversity initiatives.

Now the executive in charge of the DGA’s diversity programs and committees, Gonzalez will manage the guild’s growing diversity programs.

That includes the DGA Director Development Initiative, a networking and educational program that started in January.

The program helps members further their television directing careers, utilizing various tools, including a director mentorship program.

“Frank’s commitment to increasing diversity in DGA-covered categories has been a valuable asset to our Guild,” said DGA national executive director Jay D. Roth in a statement on Wednesday. “And that benefit will continue to grow as he steps into this expanded role designed to strengthen the diversity programs and resources available to our membership.”

Gonzalez will also continue working on the DGA’s diversity strategy alongside the guild’s Diversity Task Force and committees. Gonzalez reports to associate national executive director Bryan Unger.

Before Gonzalez joined the DGA in 2014, he worked for more than 13 years on diversity initiatives for the Disney/ABC Television Group.

Among other jobs there, he was the director of creative talent development, where he launched and grew creative initiatives and talent development programs, including the Disney/ABC Writing Program and the Disney/ABC-DGA Directing Program — for which he worked closely with the entertainment guilds and built strong relationships with community arts organizations.

Gonzalez has an MFA from the UCLA School of Film & Television Producers Program and a B.A. in Film Studies from UC Irvine.

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