The Board of Directors of Alliance of Women Directors (AWD) has named AnnaLea Rawicz Arnold as its first Executive Director, a press release announced. An inclusive collective of professional women-identifying and gender nonbinary directors working to create change in the entertainment industry, AWD was launched in 1997 by alumnae of the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women. Arnold’s appointment marks the first staff position for AWD, “which has been an all-volunteer organization dedicated to fostering a community of professionals to advance the art, craft, and visibility of women directors in film, television, and new media for 22 years,” the release notes.

AWD membership has doubled in size in the last two years to over 350 members. As Executive Director, Arnold will help shape plans for the future of the org and its members. She’ll “oversee AWD’s growing programs which includes partnerships with NBC (Craft Enrichment Series), CBS (Business of Television), Canon and Fotokem (Works-In-Progress), as well as many internal programs such as their Career Advancement Program, In-House Shadowing, Art of Directing Program, and Fireside Chats with notable directors like Patty Jenkins and Dan Attias.” As a Founding Partner of advocacy organization WeForShe, Arnold launched their annual WriteHer List and DirectHer Program.

“We are thrilled to have AnnaLea join us during this pivotal moment for our organization and our industry as a whole. Her deep commitment to gender equity, representation, and diversity and inclusion coupled with her vision for our strategic growth in programming, development, and outreach is just what we need for the future,” said Jennifer Warren, Founder and Chairperson of AWD.

Arnold added, “I am honored by the opportunity to lead Alliance of Women Directors. The members have created a phenomenal hub where women directors can keep their skills fresh, build necessary relationships, and enjoy the camaraderie that allows them to endure in an industry that too often tells them they are not welcome. I am looking forward to building on the current momentum to bring AWD to the next level, expand our board, partnerships, and programs, and raise the profile of the incredible women directors in our membership.”

Arnold will assume the Executive Director post immediately.