Animation Guild Elects New President to Lead Union Through Turbulent Times

In a significant leadership transition, the Animation Guild has elected Danny Lin as its new president. Lin, a writer and storyboard artist who has worked on shows like The Adventures of Puss in Boots and Adventure Time: Fiona & Cake, will be sworn into office on December 2nd.

Lin's election comes at a critical juncture for the union, which represents over 5,000 members. The industry is facing a turbulent period, with employers "axing productions, enacting sweeping layoffs to boost their stock value, and chasing their shiny new toy, Generative A.I." According to Lin, these challenges require the union to "cultivate hope, community, solidarity, humanity, and art" as "beacons of light in dark times."

Alongside Lin, the Animation Guild has also elected a new executive board, including incumbent Roger Oda as vice president, Steve Kaplan as business representative, and Paula Spence as treasurer. The board also includes several new members, who have pledged to listen to the union's members and engage in difficult conversations to ensure all voices are heard.

As the outgoing president Jeanette Moreno King steps down after six years, the newly elected leaders have vowed to continue organizing, fighting, and winning on behalf of the Animation Guild's members during this turbulent period.