McCormack+Kristel Seeking CEO for the Independent Film & Television Alliance
October 16, 2025 – Executive search firm McCormack+Kristel has been retained by the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) to lead in its search for a new president and CEO. At a pivotal moment for the industry, the new CEO will shape policy, elevate the voice of independents worldwide, and drive the success of the American Film Market, one of the industry’s most powerful platforms for global dealmaking.
Reporting to the board of directors, the CEO is responsible for the overall leadership and operational excellence of IFTA, including strategy, advocacy, membership engagement, AFM production and programming, and financial management and performance. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking and operationally skilled executive with a deep understanding of the global entertainment industry or related sectors. They will bring exceptional leadership skills, a proven ability to steer organizations in dynamic industries, and a strong commitment to serving the needs of independent content creators and distributors.
The new CEO will be a strategic leader and skilled communicator who anticipates industry shifts and articulates a compelling path for the future of IFTA and the AFM. Ideally, the selected candidate will bring a minimum 15 years senior leadership experience in the entertainment industry or similar sectors, ideally spanning film, television, distribution, or international markets. Candidates should have strong financial and operational acumen, including experience with budget and cash flow management. Non-profit finance experience is preferred as well as demonstrated success leading complex organizations or trade associations.
The new CEO will be a mission-driven, visionary leader personally aligned with IFTA’s purpose to champion and protect the voice of the independent entertainment community worldwide. They must be a passionate and visionary leader who thrives at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and global impact.
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 Director for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Openhouse
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.
Broadened Client Base
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.
McCormack+Kristel Recruits CEO for Equality Illinois
McCormack+Kristel has placed Channyn Lynne Parker as the new CEO of Equality Illinois. Her selection follows a thorough and competitive process led by McCormack + Kristel. All candidates were evaluated equitably through the same fair and transparent process, and Ms. Parker emerged as the clear choice based on her experience, leadership, deep ties to Illinois’ most impacted communities, and vision for the future of LGBTQ+ advocacy in Illinois. Ms. Parker is the first Black transgender woman to lead Equality Illinois in its 34-year history. Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois and across the country. As a transformational leader with an unwavering commitment to equity and justice, she is uniquely prepared to guide the organization forward and expand its reach, impact, and visibility in the years to come. Ms. Parker will begin her role as full time CEO on November 17, 2025.
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
