DGA National Executive Director Jay D. Roth announced today the hiring of Russell Hollander as Assistant Eastern Executive Director and also the appointment of Fern Wakneen as Assistant Eastern Executive Director.
Hollander, who begins his duties immediately, comes to the DGA from Cohen, Weiss and Simon LLP, a law firm specializing in the representation of labor organizations and employee benefit plans. Hollander received his education from Harvard University and Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
“Russell Hollander will play a key role in the administration and enforcement of the Guild's network staff agreements and the Freelance Live Tape and Television agreement in our New York office," said Roth. “His experience as a partner in one of the top labor law firms in the U.S. makes him a valuable member of our DGA east coast team.”
Hollander will also be responsible for the negotiation of DGA contracts with local stations in Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, DC.
"We are pleased to have the benefit of Russell Hollander’s extensive expertise," said DGA Eastern Executive Director Christina Lomolino.
Wakneen began her new position October 15.
"Fern Wakneen is an outstanding addition to the Guild’s team in our Eastern regional headquarters," said Roth. "Her industry experience provides her with the experience and skills required to play a key role in negotiating and enforcing DGA film agreements in our New York office."
Wakneen comes to the Directors Guild following eleven years as an Assistant Executive Administrator-Theatrical/Television Contracts for the Screen Actors Guild where she specialized in contract interpretation and enforcement.
"We are pleased to welcome Fern as a valuable new member of our team in the East," said DGA Eastern Executive Director Christina Lomolino.
