Edward Pierce has been elected President of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 and was sworn into his three-year term, alongside other Executive Officers at the USA 829 Board of Trustees meeting on October 13. Pierce, an active member of USA829 for 25 years, is a Broadway Designer. Previously he represented members as a National Trustee for 12 years and Pension Trustee for nine years. He takes over the role from Beverly Miller, who had been President since 1995.

The union membership has elected Deirdra Govan as Vice President. Govan is a Costume Designer and Production Designer, working in motion pictures and television. As Vice President, she brings corporate expertise in the areas of strategic marketing communications, diversity, equity and inclusion training, and development.

Carl Mulert was elected by acclamation to the role of National Business Agent, after previously serving as the Business Representative for live performance. Hope Ardizzone was elected as National Corresponding Secretary. A Scenic Artist for motion pictures and television, Ardizzone will work to keep the membership connected. Michael Smith continues serving as the National Financial Secretary.

This year’s election saw a record-breaking turnout among the Union’s membership. The Executive Officers and four new Trustees were sworn into their three-year terms at the USA 829 Board of Trustees meeting on October 13.

United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE, is a labor union and professional association of Designers, Artists, Craftspeople, and Department Coordinators, organized to protect craft standards, working conditions and wages for the entertainment and decorative arts industries. The members of Local USA 829 work in film, theatre, opera, ballet, television, industrial shows, commercials, and exhibitions. The current active membership totals over 4,800.

United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, is a national organization maintaining business offices in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The business of the Local is conducted by the National Business Agent, and staff, out of the main office in New York City and two Regional Business Representatives in Chicago (Central Region) and Los Angeles (Western Region). In addition to the New York staff, the Eastern Region also has Business Representatives in Boston and Washington, DC.

Local USA 829 is governed by a Local Union Executive Board assisted by three Regional Boards (Eastern, Central, and Western) which oversee area issues and entrance examinations. Each Member, based on residence, belongs to a Region for purposes of electing officers.

Learn more from United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE.