Hello Fellow Critics Choice Association Members,

~ ~The Short of it~ ~

My name is Derek Sante. I have been helping CCA members for 18 years and taking this seat will allow me to take this service to the next level. I will see that members get more invaluable opportunities and help to make the association and brand flourish in many different ways.

~ ~The Long of it~ ~

I’ve had the opportunity and honor to meet many of you at CCA Events, on red carpets or at festivals. This year I am submitting myself for a seat with the Board of Directors. Helping fellow Critics and the CCA is my goal, but by no means has this been a new one for me.

Whether you are aware of it or not, I have been working to help members and the association for 18 years. 

Some of the things I have helped create, institute and grow include:

• Membership Empowerment: I am a Founding Member of this movement to provide you, the Critics with tools you can use to succeed. Our topics vary, but our goal of empowerment and growth. I have proudly been a part of the technology, hosting, planning and conversation for every episode.  
• CCA Facebook Group: I established the need for a Facebook group and helped create its structure so CCA members could better share information, opportunities and issues. And even though I turned it over to the board after creation, it still grows and is used by members daily.
• Film Festival Liasson: Leading the charge for members on the ground at film festivals, I have put the call out through the FB group and in newsletters to create a comprehensive list of members attending and covering these events. From there I actively shared it with studios, agencies and publicity leads to get our members invites and opportunities that might have passed them by. 

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When it comes to my group involvement, I have worked hard to be part of the conversation and team to make CCA’s voice and brand shine.

• Marketing & Promotion Committee: I have been an active member of the M&P committee since its inception. I have been working to build and spotlight CCA and its events for years.
• Nominating Committees for Awards: It’s been my pleasure to be part of numerous nomination committees over the years. Giving my time and attention to help nominate the best options for CCA members to select.
• Celebration of Latino Film & Television Awards: I worked to create grounded ideas and goals to grow this amazing show.

These are just a few of the key points highlighting my years of involvement and service to CCA and its members. I have open, available and ready to help. 

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As for what I plan to do once appointed to the board, that’s simple. I plan to make things better for members and leadership. I have some of the most useful mix of skills needed for this position. I am a logistical person based in reality with extensive experience in Marketing, Promotions, Sales, Publicity and Technology. 

My appointment to the board will help the following:

• Member Information: I will give equal consideration to the members and the needs of the Critics Choice brand. I will make sure that the association is heard and informed in a timely manner. We work in communications; we can always be better at this.
• Member Opportunities: I will look for options to make being a member a more-positive and helpful experience. This is something I have been passionate about for many years. As we know, better access leads to more opportunities.
• Sales and Sponsorship: This is an area that needs constant attention. Someone has to pay for our amazing events. My goal will be to expand this category, while still holding our professional journalistic integrity.
• Marketing: I have relationships many brands and agencies outside of the critic norm as well as the entertainment industry. The demographic of CCA, its members and its followers is key to many hopeful campaigns and partnerships.
• Technology: I have the skills and knowledge to use technology to give the association more options and better opportunities with events, structure, communication and day-to-day operations. In addition to my current video and audio production, I have an extensive background in website building and SEO tactics. 

I have held many titles in the past including Director, Editor, Regional Marketing Manager, Executive Producer and Consultant. I understand the need for different roles and types of teamwork. I will work with the board to do what’s best for the members and the association and lend my expertise and voice to a stronger Critics Choice Association.