The SAG-AFTRA board of directors extended the contract of National Executive Director David White to Oct. 11, 2020, at a Saturday meeting in Los Angeles. His deal was originally set to expire in 2018.
As national executive director, White holds the top staff position and is the chief negotiator for the 160,000-member union. Actress Gabrielle Carteris is the president of SAG-AFTRA.
“I want to thank President Carteris, our elected officers and national board of directors for their support,” White said in a statement. “We are engaged in exciting, groundbreaking efforts to protect professionals worldwide who make a living in the entertainment and media industries, and I am thrilled to continue with this essential work. It is a privilege to lead a staff of such exceptional talent and I look forward to the next four years of being a member of their team.”
“Securing a long-term commitment from David guarantees his continued strategic operations leadership and industry-leading vision,” Carteris, Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon and Secretary-Treasurer Jane Austin said in a joint statement.
“He is a wise steward of SAG-AFTRA’s resources and a tough bargainer when he leads our contract negotiations. SAG-AFTRA members will continue to benefit from his commitment to ensuring good wages and safe working conditions. We are very fortunate to have him and look forward to continued achievement throughout the organization.”