Directors Guild of America National Executive Director Jay D. Roth today announced that Frank Bennett Gonzalez will take on an expanded role in overseeing the Guild’s diversity efforts.
“Frank’s commitment to increasing diversity in DGA-covered categories has been a valuable asset to our Guild,” said Roth. “And that benefit will continue to grow as he steps into this expanded role designed to strengthen the diversity programs and resources available to our membership.”
As Executive in Charge of Diversity Programs and Committees, Gonzalez will manage the DGA’s expanded diversity programs including the DGA Director Development Initiative – a networking and educational program launched in January – which prepares members for opportunities to further their television directing careers; as well as an upcoming director mentorship program. He will also continue to coordinate the DGA’s diversity strategy in concert with the Guild’s Diversity Task Force and committees. Gonzalez reports to Associate National Executive Director Bryan Unger.
Prior to joining the DGA in 2014, Gonzalez worked for more than 13 years on diversity initiatives for the Disney/ABC Television Group, most recently serving as director of creative talent development, where he spearheaded and expanded keystone creative initiatives and talent development programs such as the Disney/ABC Writing Program and the Disney/ABC-DGA Directing Program. In that position, Gonzalez also worked closely with the entertainment guilds and built strong relationships with community arts organizations. Gonzalez earned an MFA from the UCLA School of Film & Television Producers Program and a B.A. in Film Studies from UC Irvine.
