Greetings CCA members! My name is Herb Stratford and I’m throwing my hat in the ring for BOD membership. While I certainly don’t know all of you, I’ve been a member since 2015, and have served on several committees including the nomination committee for the documentary awards for the last seven years and continue to enjoy working in the group. I’m the only critic in the Southern Arizona market, and am the only state-wide critic for Arizona with weekly film & TV spots. I’ve been programming film festivals around the country for the past 20 years, and am also a documentary filmmaker and historic theatre consultant with projects in 24 different states since 2008.

I Joined the then BFCA’s at the suggestion of long-time friend Jim Ferguson, as I admired the work our group does, and over time have been pleased to see the progress we’ve made with member engagement, public awareness and of course our fabulous awards events.

I believe my perspective and experience will be of value to the organization in the future. I have worked ever since joining the group to offer ideas (the CCA lapel pins as one example), suggestions and feedback to better serve both our collective audiences and the group as a whole. I want to help find ways for us to continue to grow our influence on the industry, to generate positive relationships between our group, filmmakers, studios and audiences as we continue to offer criticism of the new media universe. 

I also believe we can find even more opportunities to connect, celebrate and foster the power of storytelling in the 21^st century and our role as critics to shine a light on the best stories that are being produced and help foster and nurture emerging talent and performances. I would welcome the chance to be a member of the board and look forward to the opportunity to join you as a board member of BFCA.

Hello, my name is Sammi Turano and I am the owner and editor in chief of TVGrapevine. I have been a member of the CCA since 2012 and served on several committees for the Real Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Marketing and Women’s committees and more. I would like to submit my personal statement to be a part of the Board.

I have been working in the journalism field for the past seventeen years. It was a long, tough road, but one filled with hard work and determination. I came from humble beginnings, and I am always slowly but surely working my way to the next level of my career.

If I were to be a member of the Board, I would work to help bring the CCA to the next level and bring more eyes and ears to our shows, mission and vision. I would also make sure all the committees and members are treated fairly and are equally represented. I believe everyone and every committee has something unique and special to offer and I want to make sure that is seen and heard by all. 

Being on the Board would be an incredible honor because I not only represent the women in the field, but I also represent the underdogs who have worked hard to get to where they are today. We all have different stories, and I think mine is one of inspiration and hope.

I hope you will consider me for a position on your Board and I look forward to working with you!