Menu
WELCOME TO THE THEATRE DIRECTORS SET AND COSTUME DESIGNERS WEBSITE

Grid EDWARD PIERCE Press release 29 West 38th Street • 15th Floor • New York, NY 10018 Press Contact: Nick Buchholz
Nick@rinaldipr.com UNITED SCENIC ARTISTS LOCAL USA 829, IATSE ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP October 18, 2020 United Scenic Artists Local USA 829, IATSE has elected Edward Pierce as president of the union that is the representative voice of designers and scenic artists within the entertainment industry. Pierce, an established Broadway designer, was previously a Trustee on the national board. He succeeds Beverly Miller, who has held the position since 1995.
The union membership has elected Deirdra Govan as Vice President. Govan is a costume designer and production designer, working in motion pictures and television. As Vice President, she brings corporate expertise in the areas of strategic marketing communications, diversity, equity and inclusion training, and development. Carl Mulert, elected by acclamation, moves into the role of National Business Agent, after previously serving as the Business Representative for Live Performance. Michael Smith shall continue to support the union’s endeavors with his keen financial acumen as National Financial Secretary. Scenic Artist for motion pictures and television Hope Ardizzone was elected as National Corresponding Secretary. She endeavors to keep the membership connected by working to adapt to changing technologies and encouraging greater member participation with the expansion of committee work. The Executive Officers and four new Trustees were sworn into their three-year terms at the USA 829 Board of Trustees meeting on October 13. The union’s election garnered a record-breaking turnout among the membership. Local USA 829 is governed by a (national) Local Union Executive Board assisted by three Regional Boards (Eastern, Central, and Western). The Local Union Executive Board has dramatically increased its diverse representation in its ranks; one-third of the Trustee Officers on the national board identify as (BIPOC) Black or Brown, Indigenous, People of color, which is a first in USA 829 election history.United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE, is a labor union and professional association of Designers, Artists, Craftspeople, and Department Coordinators, organized to protect craft standards, working conditions, and wages for the entertainment and decorative arts industries. The members of Local USA 829 work in film, theatre, opera, ballet, television, industrial shows, commercials, and exhibitions. The current active membership totals approximately 5,000 “United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 has enjoyed many years of incredible growth for our Membership. We are at a major point of transition during an extremely uncertain time. But that challenge will be matched by our new, experienced leadership with a commitment to change what’s not working and to build on the accomplishments we have collectively achieved. There is a growing list of important work to do to make our Union stronger, wiser and safer, as well as more innovative, diverse and inclusive. Our members are proudly engaged in the organization and we look forward to harnessing this incredible energy to focus on the tasks ahead.”

Edward Pierce
President
United Scenic Artists Local USA 829