McCormack+Kristel Recruits CEO for the Independent Film & Television Alliance
January 21, 2026 – Following a highly competitive national search, McCormack+Kristel has placed Jackie Brenneman as president and CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA). She succeeds Jean Prewitt, who is stepping down at the end of the month after 25 years leading the organization. “Jackie brings industry insight, legal and lobbying expertise, and a proven record of guiding complex membership organizations,” said Paul Bales, chairperson, IFTA and partner and COO of The Asylum. “Her deep appreciation of how business, public affairs, and creative communities intersect, and her experience navigating the fast pace of evolution in our industry and the challenges it presents, especially for independent companies, make her uniquely qualified to lead IFTA into their next chapter. We look forward to working closely with her.”
Ms. Brenneman joins IFTA with a career spanning organizational leadership, government relations, legal practice, and nonprofit oversight. She spent nearly a decade at NATO, rising through the organization to executive vice president and general counsel, where she served as a strategic leader for the exhibition community and the organization’s membership during periods of significant change and disruption. Her work encompassed competition and regulatory matters—including exhibition industry response to the termination of the Paramount Consent Decrees—advocacy on copyright and trade policy, revenue and partnership development, as well as event management.
Most recently, Ms. Brenneman served as CEO of Attend, a first-of-its-kind theatrical marketplace connecting independent filmmakers directly with exhibitors to expand distribution opportunities, and as a founding partner of The Fithian Group. Earlier in her career, she practiced as a trademark and copyright attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP.
“This is a pivotal moment for the independent film and television community, which has always been defined by risk-taking and innovation,” said Ms. Brenneman. “As the industry undergoes rapid transformation—through consolidation, new financing structures, and evolving models of production and distribution—independents are uniquely positioned to shape new paths forward and lead the next phase of change.”
“Thanks to the strong foundation Jean Prewitt has built, IFTA is entering this next chapter from a position of real strength,” Ms. Brenneman continued. “Having seen firsthand the power of collaboration across the independent sector, I’m excited to work with our members and with new partners across the global ecosystem to ensure that IFTA continue to evolve as the premier platforms where independent creativity, innovative business models, and meaningful dealmaking come together.”
“I am incredibly proud of what the IFTA community and AFM have become and continually inspired by the creativity and commitment of our members and team,” said Ms. Prewitt. “Jackie’s experience and understanding of this industry position her exceptionally well to lead both the Alliance and AFM forward and to support the entrepreneurial spirit and needs of the Independents.”
Global Trade Association
Founded in 1980, the Independent Film & Television Alliance is the global trade association representing companies that finance, produce, license, and distribute independent film and TV programming worldwide. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IFTA has grown steadily as the voice and advocate for Independents – those companies that operate without major studio backing or control of an international distribution network – facing industry-wide challenges such as media consolidation, piracy threats, rising production costs, market access and trade barriers, and evolving technology.
Related: McCormack+Kristel Recruits CEO for Equality Illinois
McCormack+Kristel was started in 1993 as McCormack & Associates with the mission of recruiting senior leadership for the many research, advocacy and human services organizations growing exponentially in response to the AIDS pandemic. Diversity recruiting has long been on the firm’s agenda.
McCormack+Kristel Seeking President for Resource Center
McCormack+Kristel has been selected by Resource Center to lead in its search for a president. The newly created president position has been developed at a critical period in Resource Center’s evolution. Following exponential revenue and staff growth, as well as unprecedented programmatic expansion, the Center is strategically enhancing its leadership team to prepare for the future. The addition of this key executive role will allow the CEO to focus on and transition external relationships essential to sustaining recent growth. Resource Center is seeking a sophisticated, mission-driven leader to drive the continued transformative impact of an empowering and life-saving center. This is an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial leader to play a pivotal role in the evolution of the largest multi-service LGBTQIA+ organization in Texas.
With the advent of effective treatments for HIV/AIDS, and the diminishing needs of many of these organizations, the firm broadened its client base into areas like social justice; healthcare; women’s issues; higher education; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender; civil rights; and more.
Five years ago, founding partner Joseph A. McCormack formed a new business partnership with Michelle Kristel, who joined the firm in 2013 as an associate. The firm has offices in New York City and Palm Springs, CA. McCormack+Kristel clients have included the ACLU, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, TransForm, Planned Parenthood, SAGE, and the Tides Foundation, among others.
In 2022, Mr. McCormack retired. Ms. Kristel continues to run the firm’s national practice. She is the former executive director of In The Life Media (ITLM), a non-profit organization producing social change media to raise awareness of issues related to gender, HIV/AIDS, and LGBT rights.
Related: McCormack+Kristel Helps Recruit New Leader for Project HOME
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
