Frank Gladstone Elected ASIFA-Hollywood President, Replacing Retiring Sue Shakespeare

ASIFA-Hollywood has elected Frank Gladstone as president of its board and named Michael Paxton executive producer of the Annie Awards.

Gladstone replaces Sue Shakespeare, who is retiring from the board after six years as president and is joining ASIFA-Hollywood’s Emeritus Board.

Gladstone has previously served as both president and executive director of ASIFA-Hollywood, as well as executive producer of the Annie Awards. Joining him on the organization’s new executive board are vice president and Cartoon Brew co-founder Jerry Beck; fellow VPs J.J. Blumenkranz and Tom Caulfield; treasurer Bill Turner; and secretary Erica Pinto.

ASIFA-Hollywood executive director Aubry Mintz addressed the changes in a release, saying:

While several members have previously served in leadership roles, our executive board brings a blend of experience, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy. Together, they are well-positioned to assist ASIFA-Hollywood to continue to evolve, serve our members, and strengthen the animation community for years to come.

Paxton takes over the Annie Awards role from Gladstone. An Oscar-nominated producer, writer, and director, he began his animation career as a writer in Disney’s feature animation department during the production of The Little Mermaid. His credits also include The Pagemaster, Stuart Little 2, The Lion King 1½, and The Addams Family 2.

“After 35 years in animation and working with the previous executive producer of the Annie Awards, I am honored and grateful to now be the new executive producer,” Paxton said.