The Commission on Eliminating Sexual Harassment and Advancing Equality in the Workplace has named an interim executive director. Deadline reports entertainment lawyer Trista Schroeder has taken on the role for the Anita Hill-headed Commission. Schroeder was named interim exec director in March by the Commission Council, but the appointment has only just been made public.
“I am proud to be helping move the important work of the Commission forward as the interim executive director,” she said. “Since launching, we have been working with the Commissioners, as well as the assigned delegates from across film, television, music, digital, unions, agencies, ATA, AMPAS, television academy, and guilds that comprise the Commission, to build the Commission’s infrastructure, establish a blueprint for our work, and outline the Commission’s areas of focus. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this long overdue effort to eliminate sexual harassment and systemic inequality across the Entertainment Industry.”
Schroeder began her law career in 2003. She previously served as chief administrator of the Wasserman Media Group. Before joining Wasserman Schroeder represented music industry clients such as Gwen Stefani and Tom Petty as an associate at Proskauer Rose.
“We are grateful for Trista’s counsel and creative thinking as interim executive director of the Commission,” the Commission said in a statement. “Her work has been integral as we take steps necessary to create a safe working environment by protecting victims of sexual harassment, not harassers, reducing the occurrence of sexual harassment, and providing the framework for cultural change within our industry.” The Commission added, “This change will happen when we value all people and we create a system that allows individuals who have been harassed to step forward without fear of reprisal, be heard, and to have their concerns fairly resolved. The Commission is committed to these goals and Trista Schroeder has helped provide the knowledge, leadership, and industry experience necessary to achieve them.”
Launched in part by industry execs, the Commission has set its sights on reforming Hollywood to create a safer environment for women and other marginalized individuals. It’s focused on issues including power imbalance, sexual harassment guidelines, education and training, accountability, and research and data collection. The Commission is part of Time’s Up’s multi-pronged effort to end harassment in and out of show business. In April it called on Hollywood for donations to help bolster its work for the next five years.
