Jackie Brenneman Takes Over as CEO of the Independent Film & Television Alliance After Jean Prewitt’s Departure
Jackie Brenneman Appointed Next President and CEO of IFTA
The Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) has announced Jackie Brenneman as its new president and chief executive, effective at the end of the month. Brenneman succeeds Jean Prewitt, who will conclude a 25-year tenure leading the organization.
Brenneman brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership, government relations, legal practice, and nonprofit management. She previously worked with the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) for nearly a decade, where she rose to the position of Executive Vice President and General Counsel. In this role, she adeptly navigated significant changes within the exhibition community, managing competition and regulatory issues, and spearheading the organization’s response to the termination of the Paramount Consent Decrees.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Brenneman played a pivotal role in NATO’s industry relief efforts, including the Save Our Screens initiative. She also served as president of The Cinema Foundation, a nonprofit arm focused on promoting the cultural and economic significance of theatrical exhibition. Brenneman departed NATO in 2023, following its rebranding as Cinema United.
Most recently, she acted as the CEO of Attend, a marketplace designed to connect independent filmmakers with exhibitors to enhance distribution opportunities, and was a founding partner of The Fithian Group. Earlier in her career, she specialized in trademark and copyright law with the firm Foley & Lardner LLP.
Paul Bales, IFTA chair and partner & COO of The Asylum, expressed confidence in Brenneman’s leadership. “Jackie brings industry insight, legal and lobbying expertise, and a proven record of guiding complex membership organizations,” he said. “Her deep understanding of the intersection of business, public affairs, and creative communities makes her uniquely qualified to lead IFTA and AFM into their next chapter.”
In response to her appointment, Brenneman remarked, “This is a pivotal moment for the independent film and television community, which has always been defined by risk-taking and innovation. As the industry undergoes rapid transformation through consolidation and new financing structures, independents are uniquely positioned to shape new paths forward.”
She emphasized the strong foundation laid by Prewitt, stating, “Having seen firsthand the power of collaboration across the independent sector, I’m excited to work with our members and with new partners globally to ensure that IFTA and AFM continue to evolve as premier platforms for independent creativity, innovative business models, and meaningful dealmaking.”
Prewitt, who has led IFTA since 2000, significantly raised the organization’s profile both nationally and internationally. She championed the independent sector’s needs across policy forums and played a key role in transforming IFTA’s flagship AFM event into a global hub for the film and television industry.
“I am incredibly proud of what the IFTA community and AFM have become,” Prewitt stated. “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.”
