SMPTE names Sally-Ann D’Amato as Executive Director

D’Amato has been SMPTE’s interim Executive Director since October. She succeeds David Grindle who had been in post since July 2022.

D’Amato was previously Director of Events and Governance Liaison at SMPTE, where she has worked for the past 23 years. She joined in 2001 as an administrative assistant, rising to Director of Operations in 2005.

During her time at SMPTE, D’Amato helped enact SMPTE’s current bylaws and operations manuals. She also has been responsible for producing the Media Technology Summit since 2005, and produced a virtual version of the event during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also produced the SMPTE centennial celebration in 2016.

“I’m honoured to accept the role of executive director,” said D’Amato. “After more than two decades with the Society, I’m humbled to be chosen as its leader. I will continue to work toward a Society that is efficient, innovative, and united. My goal as executive director is to encourage more collaboration across sections to create more opportunities for members, strengthen the standards community, and reinforce the organization's infrastructure. This will be enacted through a mission we’re calling ‘We Are All One SMPTE.’”

“Sally-Ann has been a tremendous asset to SMPTE, and will continue to be in this new role,” said SMPTE President Renard T. Jenkins. “She has proven her commitment, qualifications, and talent time and time again, and when asked to lead the Society, she didn’t hesitate to step up. Her performance in the role of interim executive director has already had a positive impact on the Society. I believe she will lead SMPTE to a brighter future, and I look forward to helping her do just that.”