Howard Rodman, the president of the Writers Guild of America West, has decided against seeking re-election to another two-year term.
Rodman told Variety that he was “deeply proud” of his two decades of service to the guild and looking forward to more time for family and work.
“I began to serve on Guild committees in 1996; helped found the Guild’s caucus for writers of independent film; have served on negotiating committees, the board, then four years as vice-president, two years as president,” he said. “I’m deeply proud of the work we’ve done, of what we’ve been able to accomplish, especially in the 2017 contract negotiation. Without hyperbole: it’s been the honor of a lifetime. I’m looking forward to prying loose more space for family and work.”
The election will take place in September with dues-current members eligible to vote. Results will be announced on Sept. 18. The WGA West represents about 9,000 members.
Rodman won the 2015 election over Joan Meyerson and was often the public face of guild during its contentious negotiations with production companies, which led to an 11th hour deal on May 1. He was eligible to serve another term but opted against doing so.
Marjorie David, a WGA West board member, has been nominated by the committee to succeed Goodman as vice president. Another unnamed candidate declined to run against her. Aaron Mendelsohn has been nominated to seek re-election as secretary-treasurer along with board member Carlton Eastlake.
The board’s nominating committee also nominated incumbents Andrea Berloff, Luvh Rakhe, Meredith Stiehm and Zak Penn along with nine other candidates for eight open board seats. The remaining candidates are Francesca Butler, Nicole Yorkin, Angelina Burnett, John August, Adam Horowitz, Michele Mulroney, Spiro Skentzos, Patti Carr and Ligiah Villalobos.
Members seeking nomination for the office of president, vice president or secretary-treasurer must obtain 25 member signatures in support of their petitions and submit them by July 21. Members seeking nomination for the board of directors have to obtain 15 member signatures.
