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October 03
2022

ISSUE

Fall 2022

A Lasting Legacy: VES Executive Director Eric Roth Retires

By NAOMI GOLDMAN

Eric Roth takes the stage at the 13th Annual VES Awards

Eric Roth takes the stage at the 13th Annual VES Awards

“When I assumed this role, we were about 750 people, mostly situated in California; now we have more than 4,400 members in 45 countries and 14 Sections worldwide. I will proudly count our global expansion and influence as the most important part of the legacy I leave behind.”

After nearly 19 years of service as the Society’s Executive Director, Eric Roth retired from his leadership role last month. At the time of this issue’s publication, the VES Board’s Executive Search Committee was in the process of identifying the next Executive Director to helm the global honorary society.

VES Board Chair Lisa Cooke offered these accolades on Roth’s immense contributions to the Society: “We have been exceptionally proud and fortunate to have a leader of Eric’s caliber – imbued with deep passion, integrity and vision – and the unparalleled skills needed to drive this dynamic organization forward. As my colleague and friend, Eric is the kind of collaborator, mentor and cheerleader you always hope to work with. Eric has done transformational work in growing the Society into this rich global community, and he leaves an enormous legacy for us to carry forward.”

Roth had a front-row seat to the dynamic global VFX industry and a major role in the Society’s growth over the span of almost two decades as he shepherded the organization to reach its milestone 25th anniversary.

Roth’s tenure has been filled with many points of pride and accomplishment – our award-winning VFX Voice magazine, three editions of the VES Handbook of Visual Effects, extraordinary VES Awards shows, our VES Honors Program and Hall of Fame, and the many volunteer Committees who do essential work for our organization.

Roth and VES Awards host Patton Oswalt at the 17th Annual VES Awards.

Roth and VES Awards host Patton Oswalt at the 17th Annual VES Awards.

Roth interviews Ed Ulbrich at the 2012 VES Summit.

Roth interviews Ed Ulbrich at the 2012 VES Summit.

Roth with several Inaugural VES Hall of Fame Honorees (2017). Former VES Chair Mike Chambers on far right.

Roth with several Inaugural VES Hall of Fame Honorees (2017). Former VES Chair Mike Chambers on far right.

Roth with director James Cameron and Jeffrey A. Okun, VES at 8th Annual VES Awards.

Roth with director James Cameron and Jeffrey A. Okun, VES at 8th Annual VES Awards.

Roth giving a speech on the “State of VFX” at Tokyo Conference.

Roth giving a speech on the “State of VFX” at Tokyo Conference.

Roth kicks off the 8th Annual VES Awards.

Roth kicks off the 8th Annual VES Awards.

“For almost 19 years, I have been privileged to serve as the Executive Director of the VES. It has been a pleasure to work with extraordinary staff, passionate volunteer leaders that serve our Board and Sections, and our thriving global membership,” Roth said.

Under Roth’s leadership VES’s all-volunteer Committees have stepped up to create an industry-leading mental health benefit program, numerous mentoring projects, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, a video archive and a soon-to-be-realized VFX digital museum, and exclusive opportunities that foster education and professional development.

A key accomplishment of Roth’s tenure has been the tremendous growth and globalization of the Society. “When I assumed this role, we were about 750 people, mostly situated in California; now we have more than 4,400 members in 45 countries and 14 Sections worldwide. I will proudly count our global expansion and influence as the most important part of the legacy I leave behind,” said Roth.

But more than that, VES has created a powerful “voice” for our industry over the years by working together with a common purpose. VES has used its voice to convene industry leaders on vital topics, issue important whitepapers on the status of the industry, and annually bring the entire industry together to network and celebrate extraordinary artistic achievements at the yearly Awards Show.

With best wishes for a bright future, Roth concludes, “It has been my highest honor to serve as your Executive Director for nearly two decades. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am more grateful than you will ever know. Thank you for allowing me to have the most fabulous ride of a lifetime on Team VES and for your unending support and friendship.

“Here’s to the next 19 years and looking forward to hearing all about the great things yet to come for VES!”


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