Jackie Brenneman, a former senior executive at the cinema owners trade group formerly known as NATO, has been appointed president and CEO of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).
Brenneman succeeds Jean Prewitt, who is stepping down at the end of the month after 25 years at the head of the organisation.
Brenneman has built a career spanning organisational leadership, government relations, legal practice, and nonprofit oversight. She spent nearly a decade at NATO (National Association Of Theatre Owners, now called Cinema United) and became EVP and general counsel. She led NATO’s industry relief efforts during the pandemic and was president of The Cinema Foundation, NATO’s non-profit arm to advance the cultural and economic impact of theatrical exhibition.
Most recently, Brenneman served as CEO of Attend, the theatrical marketplace connecting independent filmmakers with exhibitors; and as a founding partner of The Fithian Group. Earlier in her career, she practiced as a trademark and copyright attorney at Foley & Lardner.
“Jackie brings industry insight, legal and lobbying expertise, and a proven record of guiding complex membership organisations,” IFTA chairperson and The Asylum partner and COO Paul Bales said. “Her deep appreciation of how business, public affairs, and creative communities intersect, and her experience navigating the fast pace of evolution in our industry and the challenges it presents, especially for independent companies, make her uniquely qualified to lead IFTA and AFM [American Film Market] into their next chapter. We look forward to working closely with her.”
“This is a pivotal moment for the independent film and television community, which has always been defined by risk-taking and innovation,” Brenneman said. “As the industry undergoes rapid transformation – through consolidation, new financing structures, and evolving models of production and distribution – independents are uniquely positioned to shape new paths forward and lead the next phase of change.”
Bales thanked Prewitt for her “extraordinary leadership over the past 25 years and for the profound impact she has had not only on IFTA, but on the independent industry at large”. Prewitt has served as IFTA’s president & CEO since 2000, most recently presiding over the AFM’s inaugural 2025 Century City edition.
“I am incredibly proud of what the IFTA community and AFM have become and continually inspired by the creativity and commitment of our members and team,” Prewitt said. “Jackie’s experience and understanding of this industry position her exceptionally well to lead both the Alliance and AFM forward and to support the entrepreneurial spirit and needs of the Independents.”
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