After 19 years at the Chicago Film Office — a tenure five years longer than CFO director Rich Moskal’s — Kathy Byrne leaves for a new job.
She joins AFTRA/SAG May 17 as the director of television, theatrical and freelance organizing, replacing Kit Woods, who retires also after a 19 year tenure with the local actors union.
“It’s sad for me to be leaving the film office, but it’s also exciting to get a new perspective on the business,” said a bubbly Byrne, who gave notice to a surprised Moskal last Thursday.
“I’m leaving on a happy note and everything’s good,” she says.
Much of Byrne’s upbeat outlook about her new position comes from the expectation of working AFTRA/SAG executive director, Eric Chadron, newly arrived from L.A., whom she calls “absolutely fantastic and a great addition to this community.”
In her job, Byrne will oversee the AFTRA and SAG television agreements, administer the Guild’s theatrical contracts, including the Student Film and Low Budget agreements, and focus on creating more work opportunities for union performers.
In a formal statement to the membership, Chaudron said: “Kathy’s extraordinary background ? not only gives her the expertise needed to succeed in this job, her contacts and knowledge of the city’s entertainment industry make her the perfect candidate.”
In addition to her film office duties, Byrne worked with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events coordinating Chicago’s Outdoor Film Festival since 2006. She also worked on Mayor Daley’s Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony for the past two years.
Byrne will be dearly missed, Moskal said. “She has been fiercely and tirelessly committed to this office and to the smooth passage of film making in Chicago. Her ability to tackle challenges and champion causes is nothing short of remarkable.”
Of her years at the CFO, Byrne said, “It has been an absolute privilege to serve the production community and I look forward to that continuing in my work at AFTRA/SAG.
Byrne succeeds Kit Woods, who had the title of assistant executive director. She retires in June after serving AFTRA and SAG members for 33 years, first in Atlanta and then in Chicago since 1991.
