Actors' Equity Association (Equity) announced today that Mark S. Zimmerman has resigned as President, effective immediately. Equity's First Vice President Paige Price will carry out the duties of the President until a new president is elected.
In his resignation statement to the Officers and Council of Equity Zimmerman stated his desire to devote more time to building a life with his partner Jill, and to focus more fully on his acting career. He wrote, in part: "I didn't go into this business to be a president of a union. I did it to be an Actor. I miss that, and I want to devote my time to doing what I love. Mr. Zimmerman is currently in the Broadway company of WEST SIDE STORY.
"Mark has been an important part of the Equity family, first as a Vice President and then as President," said Ms.Price. "He has helped to shape the direction of the Union with energy and vision. The Officers and Council will continue to build upon our solid foundation of leadership and serve the members with the same dedication as Mark has demonstrated."
A member of Equity since 1976, Zimmerman stepped into the role of president in 2006 when then-President Patrick Quinn resigned from the position to become the Executive Director of Actors' Equity Association. Zimmerman then led the Union through the difficult time following Mr. Quinn's sudden passing and the extended search for a new Executive Director. Under his leadership, Equity achieved a 401K plan for its members through collective bargaining and, together with his fellow officers and executive staff, conducted Expanded Regional Board meetings from which the Union's strategic long term plan was set. He has also established the groundwork for Equity's 100th anniversary which will take place in 2013.As the First Vice president from 2000 to 2006, Zimmerman chaired the negotiations for two Production Contracts and served on several other negotiation teams. His committee work for Equity has been extensive and included the chairmanship of the President's Planning Committee, a Vice President of the Equity Holding Corporation and an officer of the Actors' Equity Foundation. As a Trustee, he served on the Equity-League Pension, Health Trust Funds and the Equity Staff Pension Plan and is the Chair of the Equity 401(k) Fund.
Actors' Equity Association, founded in 1913, represents more than 49,000 professional Stage Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. The Union is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
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