DGA Extends Russell Hollander’s Contract as National Executive Director Through 2029

The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has announced the extension of National Executive Director Russell Hollander’s contract through the end of 2029.

Hollander has been with the DGA since 2001, initially serving as assistant executive director. He was promoted to Eastern executive director in 2002 and later to associate national executive director/Eastern executive director in 2011. Since 2017, he has held the role of national executive director.

Leadership During Industry Challenges

Over the past nine years, Hollander has guided the DGA through significant industry disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic. He played a pivotal role in creating industrywide return-to-work protocols that enabled productions to safely resume in fall 2020. Additionally, he has served as the guild’s chief negotiator during the 2020 and 2023 contract cycles and will continue in this capacity for the upcoming negotiations, which begin on May 11.

Recognition from DGA Leadership

“For nearly a decade as our National Executive Director, Russ has been a steward for the Guild and its members, seeing us through a period of tremendous upheaval in our industry. From the pandemic to the strikes and the global contraction in production, Russ has always prioritized and protected the interests of our members, working closely with me, past Guild Presidents, and our National Board. We are grateful for his continued service to our community.”

Christopher Nolan, President of the DGA, praised Hollander’s leadership during a transformative period for the industry.

Hollander’s Background and Commitment

A graduate of Harvard Law, Hollander previously served as a partner at the labor law firm Cohen, Weiss, and Simon LLP, where he specialized in representing labor organizations and employee benefit plans.

“I’m honored by the Board’s continued confidence in my service to the membership, especially during times of incredible change. The beauty of our Guild is our defining, singular mission to advance the creative and economic rights of our members – and the secret to our longstanding success is the strong partnership between our elected leaders and our professional staff to fulfill that purpose. At a time when the rights of workers need strong champions, it is a privilege to dedicate myself to that purpose and to the members we serve.”

The announcement underscores the DGA’s confidence in Hollander’s leadership as the guild navigates ongoing industry challenges.