Endorsements
Lydia Marie Prescott, COO – Retired
I have had the pleasure of knowing Joel, first as a member of the ADG for many years and then as the current Associate Executive Director of the Art Directors Guild. In his role as Associate Executive Director of the Guild, he has negotiated a number of our guild’s independent contracts. He has been part of the negotiations for the IATSE Basic Agreement along with a number of other contracts held by the IA. He is experienced in handling issues and dealing with employers labor relations. He is conscientious, knowledgeable and willing to take the calls and do the work that needs to be done for our members no matter what craft or classification they are affiliated with, no matter what age or gender they may be. Joel has the knowledge, experience and wisdom to take on the huge and complex job of the ADG’s Executive Director.
Chief Operating Officer, retired (30 years of service)
David Dunn, Bay Area Business Representative
I have known Joel Cohen for eight years. I have found him to be a solid advocate for the members. He has helped me and my coworkers in the San Francisco Bay Area with numerous issues including benefits and jurisdiction.
Joel has helped us successfully negotiate several contracts for the Scenic Artists in Local 800. He listens and he returns phone calls.
Jack G. Taylor, Production Design/Art Directors craft
Fellow Brothers and Sisters of the Art Directors Guild – Local 800 crafts,
As a fifty-year member of the Art Director’s Guild, I recognize Joel Cohen as the best candidate for the position of Executive Director of our Local.
Joel has the qualities, I.A.T.S.E. Constitutional knowledge and intrinsic negotiating experience demeanor coupled with financial accountability, to fairly and equally represent all the members of the Art Director’s Guild.
I fully endorse Joel Cohen’s candidacy for Executive Director in the upcoming elections.
Please join me and use your right as a member for voting Joel Cohen as Executive Director – Art Director’s Guild.
Sara Escamilla, Graphic Artist/Senior Illustrator
I’m voting for Joel for National Executive Director. My experience with him has been wholly positive. He has a special gift for making his fellow union kin feel heard even if it conflicts with his ideas.
My experience of Joel is that he operates straightforwardly. More than other candidates, he appears to me, to be able to remain respectful of all sides, without being two-faced or scheming or out for egoistic, self-important, popularity reasons. All-the-while he’s committed to pushing forward a more progressive, transparent agenda. I trust what I see as Joel’s internal principles as they are aligned with our progressive ideals for this union.
Matt Parker, Art Director, Atlanta Area Representative
Lisa Mastroianni, Commercial Committee Co-Chair
As an active member and Production Designer/Art Director of the ADG for five years (and in the business for 20), I extend my full support to Joel Cohen for the NED position in this upcoming election. I have him to thank for flipping a job I was on that finally got me into Local 800.
Joel continuously supports concerns in a timely manner. He is educated, transparent and most importantly, Joel deeply cares about each member of the ADG. That is because he is one of us. You can’t teach people how to be loyal and come from a place of integrity, so for these reasons, please join me in supporting Joel!
Maxine Wu
Graphic Designer
Young Artists Committee Co-Chair
Joel is not only one of the steady anchors of our guild, but he has also fostered a welcoming space for many rank and file members who sought guidance. For as long as I’ve known him, Joel has consistently put in the work, not for recognition, to serve our union from behind the scenes and out of the spotlight. From working with him as both a Young Artists and DEI committee member, I’ve witnessed his dedication in ensuring that any underrepresented voices are recognized and heard, and always readily to provide unheralded support.
It’s vital that we vote for a NED who values all the individuals they serve, and I firmly stand in support of Joel’s vision and leadership for a stronger future for our guild.
Alexander Christian Stamm, Art Director
Joel’s attention to detail and strong drive to listen to the members, work towards finding solutions, and support the improvement of the work environment continues to be a successful way to lead. Through engagement and continued commitment to our local’s members, Joel will make sure that we have a strong organization that reflects its diverse membership. Joel has my support!
Dennis Allen Blanchard,
Commercial Art Director – Retired
Dear ADG Members,
I am writing to highly recommend Joel Cohen for the position of National Executive Director of the Art Directors Guild. Having had the privilege of knowing Joel, I have witnessed his exceptional leadership skills, unwavering dedication to the Guild, and ability to drive meaningful change within the Guild.
Joel’s extensive experience in the field as a Representative and ANED of the Guild makes him exceptionally qualified for the NED position. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among Guild Members. His strategic vision has not only enhanced the work he’s been involved with but has also inspired those around him to strive for excellence.
One of Joel’s remarkable qualities is his ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams. He possesses a unique talent for bringing together different perspectives and ideas, which has consistently resulted in successful and dynamic outcomes. His respectful and open-minded approach has earned him the respect and admiration of Art Directors Guild members and collaborators.
In addition, Joel is a passionate advocate for creating opportunities for those who have been disenfranchised. He has been actively involved in various initiatives that seek to promote and support emerging talents in the Guild. His dedication to nurturing new generations of members is a testament to his commitment to the future of the Guild.
I am confident that Joel Cohen’s election as the National Executive Director of the Art Directors Guild will bring a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and inspiration to the organization. I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy and believe he will make significant contributions to the Guild and its members.
I do not take what I have written lightly. I, too, am nonpartisan. I believe that partisanship fractures unity. Though there comes a time when taking a stand, no matter what the cost, is the way forward.
Thank you for considering this recommendation.
Sincerely,
Dennis Allen Blanchard