Alan Rosenberg has becomethe 24th president of the largest US actors' union Screen Actors Guild (SAG)following a ballot last week.

Rosenberg succeeds MelissaGilbert, who served as president since 2001 and chose not to run for a thirdtwo-year term following her combative tenure.

Rosenberg received 39.9%(10,748 total votes) of the nationwide vote of the Guild's general membership,defeating Morgan Fairchild and Robert Conrad.

Fairchild received 34.7%(9,332 total votes) and Conrad received 25.3% (6,797 total votes).

Connie Stevens was voted inas secretary-treasurer, which is SAG's second-highest elected position. Shesucceeds James Cromwell, who did not seek re-election.

Stevens received 68.2% ofthe nationwide vote, defeating Lee Garlington, who received 31.8%.

"I am honoured that themembers of this great union have placed their confidence in me," Rosenbergsaid. "I ran a campaign that offered a simple and straightforward promise:I will fight like hell to get actors their fair share.

"For working actors, thestakes have never been higher: our employers must understand that we willaggressively protect the interests of working performers - and we will notyield on residuals.

"The coming months are goingto be particularly challenging as we negotiate new basic cable agreements,prepare for the renegotiation of the commercials contract and continue to worktowards a solution to the impasse with talent agents."

Stevens added: "Mythanks and appreciation goes out to the members of my union. The Guild'sfinances need the hands-on attention and input of the members who pay its duesand work its contracts. We have several key challenges ahead of us,particularly ensuring that the Guild continues to operate within a balancedbudget and strengthening our financial base."