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The Animation Guild, IATSE Local 839, has announced a new leadership team as it confronts significant challenges within the animation industry, including widespread layoffs and the rise of Generative A.I.
Danny Lin has been elected president of the Guild, succeeding Jeanette Moreno King, who concluded a six-year term and finished fifth on time.news’ 2024 list of the most powerful figures in American animation. King will continue to serve the union as secretary. The election results signal a shift in leadership as the organization prepares to advocate for its members during a period of unprecedented change.
A New Era for The Animation Guild
Lin, along with Roger Oda (vice president), Steve Kaplan (business representative), and Paula Spence (treasurer), ran unopposed for their respective positions. David DePasquale secured the role of sergeant-at-arms. The election, certified by the American Arbitration Association, underscores a unified front as the Guild prepares for the future.
“I could not be more honored or grateful to serve as the incoming President of The Animation Guild, a Union that has evolved so much in the past decade and only continues to grow in both size and power,” Lin stated in a release. However, he acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing many members. “So many of our members are out of work and struggling to pay their bills while our employers axe productions, enact sweeping layoffs to boost their stock value, and chase their shiny new toy, Generative A.I.”
Addressing Industry Challenges
The incoming president emphasized the importance of collective action and resilience. “In the face of these challenges, we must cultivate hope, community, solidarity, humanity, and art,” Lin continued. “These are beacons of light in dark times, and they are qualities I see reflected in our newly elected Executive Board and in each and every member of The Animation Guild. We will continue to organize, to fight, and to win.”
King echoed the sentiment, highlighting the need for both experience and fresh perspectives. “I believe it’s important to keep leadership fresh and welcome new ideas,” she said. “Danny Lin will bring a valuable perspective as a digital native and a strong communicator, and I’m confident the Guild is in good hands.” She explained her decision to run for secretary, stating, “I ran for secretary because I love this Union and want to continue contributing in a supportive role. While new ideas and strategies are vital to our growth, I also believe our institutional memory helps ground the decisions we make as a board to ensure a strong and successful future.”
New Board Members and Trustees
Joining King and Lin on the Executive Board are Marissa Bernstel, Rachael Cohen, Kolja Erman, Chrissy Fellmeth, Andy Garner-Flexner, KC Johnson, Claire Morrissey, Roma Murphy, Dan Pinto, Mike Rianda, and Candice Stephenson. Bernstel, Cohen, and Stephenson will also serve as Trustees, providing additional oversight and guidance.
The newly elected officers and board members will be sworn in on December 2, 2025, commencing a three-year term. This transition marks a pivotal moment for The Animation Guild as it navigates a rapidly evolving industry landscape and advocates for the rights and well-being of its members.
