CineTel Films president Paul Hertzberg has been elected chairman of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the trade association representing independent producers and distributors worldwide.

Hertzberg takes over the post from Troma Entertainment president Lloyd Kaufman and will serve for two years.

In a statement, IFTA president and CEO Jean Prewitt said: “Paul’s wide range of experience and enthusiasm will be extremely helpful as we continue to develop initiatives around issues confronting the independents. I must also thank Lloyd Kaufman who has been a tremendous advocate for the independents and IFTA these last four years. Under his leadership, IFTA has had a measurable impact on our industry and public policy.”

Hertzberg said: “I look forward to enhancing IFTA’s voice and influence around the world while working with the executive team and board to expand benefits for our global membership.”

At their annual meeting in Los Angeles and London IFTA members also voted on the make up of the organization’s executive committee and board of directors.

Re-elected to two-year committee terms were vice chairperson Pierre David (of Imagination Worldwide) and vice chairperson/secretary Brad Kembel (from Summit Entertainment).

Executive committee members continuing their two-year terms are Export Alliance chairperson Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Rose (Lakeshore Entertainment Group), vice chairperson Richard Guardian (Guardian Entertainment), vice chairperson/finance Avi Lerner (Nu Image) and vice chairperson Mark Lindsay.

Elected to two-year terms on the board of directors were Kaufman, Shaked Berenson (Epic Pictures Group), Carl Clifton (K5 Media Group), Roger Corman (New Horizons Picture Corp), Kirk D’Amico (Myriad Pictures), Albert Lee (Emperor Motion Pictures), Bobby Meyers (Meyers Film Entertainment), Kathy Morgan (Kathy Morgan International), Ed Noeltner (Cinema Management Group) and Lise Romanoff (Vision Films).

Continuing their two-year terms on the board are Steve Bickel (Orpheum Communications), Nicolas Chartier (Voltage Pictures), Mark Damon (Foresight Unlimited), Clay Epstein (The Little Film Company), Tatyana Joffe (IM Global), Tony Kandah (Hollywood Wizard), Brian O’Shea (The Exchange), Wendy Reeds (Tiger Gate), Mimi Steinbauer (Hyde Park International) and Lisa Wilson (GK Films).

Jack Campbell (Maya Entertainment) and Peter Kujawski (Focus Features) will serve as alternates.