(New York, November 16, 2023) – Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) announced the results of its 2023 Executive Board election at its Annual Membership Meeting on Monday night, November 13. Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Melia Bensussen were elected to serve second terms as First Vice President and Secretary, respectively, and Joshua Bergasse was elected Third Vice President. Shelley Butler and Katie Spelman were newly elected to the Board to serve as At-large members. Jon Lawrence Rivera was newly elected as Western Regional Representative.
Incumbent Board members Desdemona Chiang, Joseph Haj, Susan Stroman, Maria Torres, and Tamilla Woodard were re-elected to three-year terms.
“The directors and choreographers who make up SDC’s Executive Board are an extraordinary group of leaders who represent and respond to our Membership’s needs with conviction and thoughtfulness,” said President Evan Yionoulis. “The new and returning Members announced today will serve the Union well as we continue our work to unite, empower, and protect professional stage directors and choreographers.”
Yionoulis presented this year’s President’s Award for Extraordinary Service, which is traditionally given to a Member whose contributions have been deeply meaningful to the Union, to Jonathan S. Cerullo and Nick Corley. Cerullo and Corley were recognized as driving forces behind the Union’s ongoing commitment to the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, an annual event produced by and benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. They have served as Co-Chair of SDC’s Planning Committee for the past 12 years; in 2023, SDC’s table raised $10,672.
“I cannot begin to tell you how overwhelmed and very honored I am to have received this award, but it’s for all of us,” said Cerullo. “Since 2013, SDC has donated $145,110 to Broadway Cares and the Entertainment community Fund. Congratulations everyone.”
Also at the meeting, Yionoulis recognized and thanked outgoing Executive Board members JoAnn M. Hunter, Annie Kauffman, John Rando, and Casey Stangl for their invaluable work and service.