LOS ANGELES, April 8, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- DGA National Executive Director Jay Roth today announced that Keith H. Karpe has been named DGA National Executive for Communications. He begins his new position today, Monday, April 8.
For nearly two decades, Karpe has served as executive in charge of public relations and communications for various corporations and associations, most recently with the Orange County-based Fortune 500 company, Fluor Corporation. While at Fluor, Karpe served as Senior Director of Corporate Communications where he guided strategic global media relations and served as spokesperson on numerous corporate issues. In addition to Fluor, Karpe's experience in this field includes his work at Sanwa Bank California, where he served as Vice President - Public Relations Manager, and Pondel Parsons & Wilkinson, where he was the Vice President - Public Relations.
"Keith's substantial communications and public affairs expertise will enable the Guild to better serve the needs of our members," said Roth. "His expertise in this field makes him a valuable new member of our executive team."
Karpe will play a key role in the communication of information relevant to the Guild's membership, the entertainment community and the general public. He will also oversee all Guild publications, including the award-winning DGA Magazine, published bi-monthly.
"The DGA is one of the premier labor organizations in the industry, and it often leads the way in shaping the economic and topical landscape of the creative community," Karpe said. "I am looking forward to working with DGA members to highlight the issues affecting them and the entertainment industry as a whole."
Karpe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University, Northridge and his Master's Degree in Journalism from Pepperdine University, Malibu.
The Directors Guild of America was founded in 1936 to protect the economic and creative rights of directors through the collective bargaining process. Its membership has grown to include more than 12,400 members and has expanded to include not only the director but the directorial team, which includes Unit Production Managers, Assistant Directors, Technical Coordinators, Associate Directors, Stage Managers and Production Associates. The DGA is headquartered in Los Angeles and has regional offices in New York and Chicago.