March 21, 2022
Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America National Executive Director Russ Hollander made the following statement upon learning of the passing of Associate Western Executive Director Steven Knauss:
“The DGA mourns the passing of our dear friend and respected colleague Steven Knauss. We are still coming to terms with this unexpected and extraordinary loss. Steven was an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of the needs of DGA members he represented. He was a zealous fighter for their economic and creative rights, always leading with intelligence, compassion and his unique sense of humor. Those of us fortunate to have known him well, knew his love for history, music, the Philadelphia Eagles and his drive for social and economic justice. Steven was beloved both by our members and his co-workers. We will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Steven’s wife Griselda, his two daughters Sophia and Maya as well as his extended family and friends during this difficult time.”
Steven joined the Guild in 2013 as a field representative. In 2016, he was promoted to Assistant Executive Director representing Assistant Directors and Unit Production Managers in the Western region, serving as the staff liaison to the Guild’s Western AD/UPM Council as well as oversight of issues regarding set safety and sustainable production. He also served as Trustee to the DGA-Producer Training Plan for Assistant Directors. Steven had been recently promoted in December 2021 to Associate Western Executive Director taking on the additional responsibility of supervising the DGA’s Contracts Department.
Prior to joining the DGA, Steven held a number of positions in Nevada and Florida with Locals of the Service Employees International Union where he served as healthcare division director and chief negotiator for Local 1107. Steven received both his B.A. and M.A. from Appalachian State University.