Industry tribes
Chairman of the Editorial Association
Throughout the entire period of Cathy’s leadership, it’s great to be the president of MPEG. It was amazing to see her recover from her 2018 experience, build relationships with other locals we negotiated with at the same time, and lead us to the best contracts in recent memory.
Scott George
State Executive Director (Formerly the executive director of the West)
Your dedication and commitment to membership is really encouraging and will have a lasting impact. Working with you has always been an honor during your tenure as the State Executive Director. Throughout your journey, you face many challenges with resilience and leadership, coaching and navigating membership. The memories we share and the friendships we build will continue as you move on.
Bill Elias
700 local soldiers in weapons
I had the honor of serving on the board for 52 years, and during that time I met many outstanding people. Cathy Repola stands out as one of the best. From the moment she joined us in 1992, I knew she was the right person for the job. Her name immediately thought of her father’s legacy and I was thrilled that Ron realized his potential and brought her to the ship. Cathy’s leadership is transformative. Whether to support retirees, advocate for women’s rights, advocate diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion or
Working relentlessly for our members, she has always led with integrity and compassion. I will never forget to stand with her on countless picket lines, attend fundraising events, or just see her accepting all challenges with grace and determination.
In 1998, I accompanied her to New York City to nominate for the newly merged New York native. The trip remains a wonderful memory – explore the city, marvel at changes since 1993 (mainly crime rates), and escorted by local police officers to “the best pizza place in New York.” In 2000, when Paramount planned to outsource its joint organization, I brought concerns to her and Ron. Thanks to their arbitration drive (we won the arbitration), we saved countless jobs and ensured that the entire department could retire without a single lost job. Cathy led the efforts to educate people on AB1839 in 2014 and helped bring more than $5 billion back to California through tax benefits. I am honored to be one of the three editors who helped Cathy make the videotapes that played a role in persuading people in Sacramento to vote for the Congress bill. In 2017, at the IATSE International Conference, I was proud to see Cathy being recognized as the Women of the Year, which is a testament to her dedication and leadership. The award is indeed worthy, and it is an honor to witness.
Her first contract negotiations as executive director in 2018 were simply extraordinary. When Cathy faces major opposition, Cathy boldly stands in IATSE when streaming revenue is excluded from the deal. She organized a general membership meeting, filled two banquet halls, assembled members and proved her strength as a leader.
In addition to her professional achievements, Cathy’s warmth and friendship also left an undeniable mark. She has always been the champion for proper lunch breaks – I agree wholeheartedly – her activities on the dance floor always bring joy to everyone around her. During the meeting, she made sure our delegates were cared for with good food, wine and good company. Given the manifestation of resilience and a strong commitment to doing the right thing, Cathy is more than just a great executive director. She is a dear friend and an outstanding person. She has a lasting impact on the kindness, dedication and unwavering support of our members. I have known her for 32 years. She listened to my phone calls, hugged others enthusiastically, and cherished both of us with a motto: be kind to all kinds of things.
Hudson Miller
700 local vice presidents
Congratulations to Cathy! It was a great trip. When you come to the Editors Association, we are a small local with big dreams. Over the years, we have both heartbreaking victories. We mourn contract setbacks, pandemic job restrictions and industry strikes, but we also celebrate membership growth, building workforce solidarity internally and throughout the Hollywood workforce community, greatly improving our independent contracts and achieving a breakthrough fundamental agreement for 2024.
There is no better example of vision and leadership than the first time using the remaining expenses (which I prefer to call profit engagement) to build a new and sustainable funding source for our MPI health and pension benefits. You bring us from impossible dreams to six years of achievements! During the union period, this was the speed of supersonic speed! Every mile that the Rocket ride this time was very difficult. But nothing worth it. It is your leadership and vision that has led us to victory that will greatly improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of families of Hollywood international enthusiasts over the decades. I want to represent all members of the entire Editorial Society and I want to extend our most heartfelt gratitude. You work hard on the immortal words of Dolores Huerta: “«sí, Se Puede!”
Shiran Carolyn Miller
Board Members
To our Norma Rae Cathy, thank you for being a role model, showing you a fierce union leader who happens to be a woman.
Despite the difficulties, you stood up for yourself and our membership and you inspired me to speak out loud and stand for my faith.
I remember about 2018, I mentioned to you that I hope there is a system that can help people use the hours. I didn’t realize I had any ability to do something until you empower me to realize what I could do and work towards my goal. For me, this mindset shift is a game-changer and I will never forget it. We don’t always agree with everything, but that’s how beautiful it is.
We push each other to do better, and I think we do something really great to improve this alliance. Thank you for providing this guild with 32 years of dedicated service and always listening and willing to accept new ideas even if it does something outside your comfort zone, such as singing karaoke. I will always remember watching you in your element and enthusiastically advise AMPTP on the first day of local negotiations. We are lucky to have you, and your impact on this kind of union will last for decades.
Ilywood locals
IATSE Guild
As you step into a new chapter in your life, Cathy, our 13 IATSE Hollywood locals come together to celebrate your outstanding career and profound impact. You are more than just a leader throughout your term as the National Executive Director of the Editorial Association. You have always been a friend, uniter, and most importantly, brought us together in some of the most challenging moments in our shared history.
Your guidance in the negotiation of basic agreements reflects your determination and loyalty to members and the broader IATSE community. Negotiation is never easy, but you treat them with unwavering determination and a deep understanding of the shares, and their livelihood depends on the contract we strive for. Time and again you show us the power of lasting and the importance of standing in the face of adversity. Your firm belief in the collective good is the inspiration and guiding force for all of us.
Your contribution goes far beyond the negotiation form. You have the unique ability to bring people together, even in the most complex and controversial situations to find common ground. In a world of often highlighted departments, you have always been a beacon of solidarity. Your trick to fostering cooperation and mutual respect among locals creates a sense of solidarity that has never been seen before, thus enhancing our expectations. Whether it’s through thoughtful advice, friendly words or unremitting efforts behind the scenes, you remind us that we are stronger together.
What we admire is not only your professional acumen, but also your deep care. Your dedication to membership is always obvious – not only your advocacy for their rights, but also your real concern for their happiness. You’re always beyond and beyond, making sure you hear every voice, everyone’s attention, and every member feel valuable. The same compassion extends to us, your colleagues and peers. Your friendship has always been a source of comfort and joy, and your unwavering support has helped us through difficult times.
Of course, we cannot forget the personal style that makes you so memorable to work with you. Whether it’s sharing laughter during long meetings, the ability to root us in your wisdom, or the warmth you bring into the room, you remind us that everything we do is at the heart of one another’s shared commitment.
When you retire, know that your legacy will last. You’re not only leaving behind a stronger editorial association, but also a more unified and resilient Hollywood community. We are forever grateful for your leadership, your friendships, and the countless ways you touch our lives.
Thank you Cathy for being the heart and soul of many achievements we have achieved together. We wish you happiness, peace and happiness for the next few years. You deserve what you deserve.
With deepest love and admiration, 13 IATSE Hollywood locals
Colleen Glynn
Chairman of the IA Women’s Steering Committee
I served as a brand new business manager at the first Winter General Executive Committee meeting in Nashville in 2013. I was impressed by her true passion when she welcomed new immigrants and celebrated the success of the IATSE women in the room. She helped build meaningful connections and relationships between the IATSE sisters who have blossomed over the years.
In 2015, President Loeb established the first IATSE Women’s Commission (IWC) and commissioned the Ropola sisters to serve as our first chairman. It is a great honor to have the honor to work with the Ropola sisters as part of her steering committee. It turns out that we learn that we have a lot in common: We all proudly follow our father’s footsteps. We share a deep love for IATSE, our family and our passion for all the Alliance sisters, brothers and relatives.
Cathy, I wish you “happy” as you begin the next chapter of your life. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! I am so grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with you, to meet and love you. The highlight of our work together must be the ambitious 2017 Quadrennial Conference IWC event in Hollywood, Florida, which was a tough move that can be followed with certainty, but a treasured memory. I will miss you and your great habitual attitude and I will always keep you in mind when I serve as Chairman of the IATSE Women’s Committee.
Lots of love and respect, your sister and friend XO, Colleen
