Overview

• Ellen Stutzman, previously the Assistant Executive Director and Chief Negotiator for WGA West, will assume the role of Executive Director, replacing the outgoing Director, David Young due to health issues.
• Young, who has been the Executive Director of WGA West for 18 years, led the union through several strenuous periods including the 100-day strike in 2007-08 and a contentious campaign against agency packaging practices.
• Stutzman joined the WGA West in 2006 as a research analyst and has steadily risen through ranks, becoming Assistant Executive Director in 2018; she is well-respected amongst the union membership for her role in negotiating amidst the pressures of a historic strike of 148 days in duration.
• Under Young's leadership, WGA West achieved significant victories, such as negotiating first terms for streaming projects, establishing paid parental leave benefits and boosting contributions to the union's benefit plans.
• Young's departure is met with praise and appreciation for the strategic acumen he brought to the guild, significantly shaping its image as a bold and assertive union. Despite challenges, Young is remembered for his knack of turning adversities into improvements.