Lorraine Seidel Comes Aboard as New Eastern Region Assistant Executive Director by Damian Begley With the formation in November of Local 700, a new chapter was opened for the Editors Guild. The newest player on the scene is Lorraine Seidel, recently named assistant executive director of the Eastern region, headquartered in New York City. On the job since early January, Lorraine is transitioning nicely into her new role and says "the day-to-day stuff is still solidifying." Lorraine Seidel But she's no stranger to the city, let alone organizing. Before joining Local 700, Lorraine worked for the Writers Guild of America East for nine years as an organizer and negotiator. Her credentials also include a nine-year stint with the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees, where she held the title of national vice president for nurses. As executive vice president for the New Jersey district, Lorraine's responsibilities included organizing for half the states in the country. Last year Local 700 executive director Ron Kutak called Lorraine about an organizer's position. Her organizing and negotiating skills were just what the board of directors was looking for. A few weeks after her hiring, when Eastern region assistant executive director Bill Hanauer left the Guild, Lorraine moved into that position, working closely with Norman Gay, the region's business representative. At the moment she's preparing for the upcoming majors' contract negotiations. Then there is the roster issue she'd like to settle, sorting through other numerous contracts, working with the other locals - the list goes on. It's a big job, she acknowledges. "There are so many different contracts," says Lorraine. "Aside from the majors' contract, there's the independents', the BSA, the BA, and so on. I'd like to consolidate a lot of them." Fewer miscellaneous contracts and more term contracts are just the beginning of her goals. Other items she plans to accomplish include more organizing, getting the Guild more involved with television and commercials on the East Coast, installing a nonlinear training facility similar to the one in Los Angeles, and initiating greater contact with the membership. "I personally want contact with as many of our members as I can engage them in via meetings and discussions. You've got to stay close to the members." To that end, the New York office is in the process of a makeover. Lorraine's aim is to "make this a place where members can not only feel comfortable, but are also proud of. I'd like members to want to be here and make this their space. It needs to be useful for them to come to." When Lorraine isn't in the city, she's in upstate New York running a bed and breakfast. This is something she's been doing for the past 13 years. "It's a lot of fun," says Lorraine. "It's a wonderful balance between the craziness of the city and the quiet and calm of the country." Welcome aboard, Lorraine!   Damian Begley is an alternate Board member for the Eastern Region.   Reprinted from The Motion Picture Editors Guild Newsletter Vol. 20, No. 1 - Jan/Feb 1999   Guild Home | Newsletter Home | Top of Page   Copyright © 1999, All Rights Reserved by The Motion Picture Editors Guild, IATSE Local 700