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Academy Names LA Sparks President Christine Simmons Chief Operating Officer

Simmons will begin her role in January and report to CEO Dawn Hudson

Beatrice Verhoeven, PWS | December 20, 2018 @ 11:20 AM
power women summit Christine Simmons WNBA LA Sparks

Photo by Ella DeGea

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named Christine Simmons as Chief Operating Officer, Academy CEO Dawn Hudson announced Thursday.

Simmons, who currently serves as the president and COO of the Los Angeles Sparks, will begin her role in January and will report to Hudson. She will be responsible for the day-to-day management with a focus on the Academy Foundation.

“There has been — and continues to be — a sea change in our film community, our Academy, and in the culture at large,” Hudson said. “Christine brings both nonprofit and corporate management expertise, an ability to implement creative solutions, and a love of film to our Academy. It’s the perfect moment for an innovative thinker.”

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Simmons added, “I look forward to joining the team and contributing to the innovation and growth of the operational excellence of the Academy. The organization’s efforts to support filmmakers and programs where every person’s story can be told are invaluable.”

Prior to working with the LA Sparks, a founding team of the WNBA and three-time League champions, Simmons served as executive vice president of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Before that, she worked at Disney and NBC/Universal Studios.

Also Read: Oscars 2019: 347 Films in Contention for Best Picture

Simmons also serves on the advisory councils for both Women in Sports and Events and Next Play Capital. She is also a member of the UCLA Foundation’s Board of Directors and the UC Regents.

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