Mary McColl Extends Contract as Actors' Equity Association's Executive Director

Actors' Equity Association ("AEA" or "Equity") today announced the extension of Mary McColl's contract as executive director for another three-year term, effective January 2014. The decision was a unanimous vote at a special meeting of the Union's national council. Ms. McColl was named to the post in October 2010 and began her role in January 2011.

"Mary McColl has brought a focused, disciplined and highly effective leadership to AEA," said President Nick Wyman. "She has been a champion not only for Equity actors and stage managers, but for the entire entertainment industry."

Describing her stewardship and advocacy on behalf of the members, Wyman pointed to the accomplishments in her first term including the successful negotiation of three of AEA's biggest contracts - Production, League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and Short Engagement Touring Agreement (SETA). McColl also oversaw the renovation of the New York offices (including construction of a new audition center), as well as the purchase of a new AEA office building in Los Angeles.

As executive director, Ms. McColl oversees the collective bargaining process for more than 30 national and regional contracts and supervises Equity's professional staff in four regional offices (NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago and Orlando). She works closely with Equity's national council - the Union's governing body - to establish goals, develop and implement national policy, and execute Equity's long-term strategic plans. She serves as the Union's representative and lead spokesperson with the media, labor, bargaining partners and government officials.

"I'm pleased to continue the work we've started on behalf of this extraordinary membership," said McColl. "This is an exciting time in Equity's 100 year history. I look forward to working with the elected leadership to address the challenges that our industry faces."

Ms. McColl joined Equity from her position as the executive director of the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts in Minneapolis. Prior to that position, Ms. McColl was the director of labor relations for The Broadway League and previously served as vice president of operations for the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. She began her theatrical management career at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, where she held several positions, including a five-year stint as vice president and general manager.

Actors' Equity Association will commemorate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, May 26. For the last century, AEA has stood for excellence in the American theater, and for dignity, fairness and respect for its members.

Earlier this year, AEA received an historic national charter from the AFL-CIO, marking a formal association with the national federation of American unions. The charter bookends AEA's yearlong centennial celebration which garnered the union top regional theatrical honors and the distinguished 2012 Special Tony Award.