Welcome to the 2026 Independent Executive Board Election Candidate page! Here you’ll find profiles for each of the candidates running to serve on Cinema United’s Executive Board as independent representatives, including their written responses to our questions and, where provided, optional videos.
We encourage you to take your time to read through all of the responses and watch any videos available so you can make an informed decision when casting your vote. Your participation helps shape the future of our association. Thank you for taking the time to get to know your candidates.
There is one seat up for election in the independent category. When the ballots open on August 24, the main member contacts of each dues-paying member company will be emailed a link to vote (one vote per company), and they will be able to vote for one person. Voters will have until September 4 to complete their votes. The top vote getter will be announced the following week.
Samantha Blank
- Owner/Film Buyer, Shoreline Entertainment Group
- Nahant, MA
- samanthablank0@gmail.com
I am 28 years old and grew up absolutely loving movies. My dad owned theaters my whole life so I grew up around concession stands. My hometown is a small coastal town in Massachusetts where 9 months of the year are pretty bad but we live for the 3 months of summer. My rescue dog, Chandler, is my whole world and I love learning about rescue dog advocacy in my free time. My four favorite films: Edward Scissor Hands, Cool Runnings, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Dark Knight
- Learn more about Samantha
Why are you interested in serving on the Executive Board?
I’m interested in serving on the executive board because I believe that I bring a different viewpoint to this industry. I would love to be more involved within Cinema United because I love what they do for advocacy and this industry. I love my job and would enjoy taking it to a new level!
What experience or perspective do you bring that you believe will benefit the association?
I’ve been film buying as a young female for 5 years now and I’ve definitely learned a lot about the industry even though there is so much more to learn. I do believe I have a great viewpoint on this industry as someone who came into it with a younger mindset. I’ve been able to communicate and work with all the major studios and have gotten the ins and outs of how the studios work with theaters and what they could do better to help independent theaters in the industry.
How do you plan to represent the interests of independent companies if elected?
As someone who has now down film buying and in-theater marketing for independent theater locations, I believe the studios can do a better job with awareness for independent theaters, especially when it comes to in-theater marketing. These major studios have marketing teams that sometimes do the bare minimum for major chains but they need to know that independent theaters are out there who deserve just as much promotion and in-theater marketing. I have enjoyed learning all the different ways you can promote a movie and advocate for smaller theaters at the same time.
Alex DelVecchio
- General Manager, Rutgers Cinema
- Piscataway, NJ
- alexander.delvecchio@rutgers.edu
Hi all! I run a 3 screen independent theater on a college campus in New Jersey. For the last 6 months or so, I’ve been doing media (with Harry’s help, of course) with the NY Times, CNBC, VOX, and appeared on several business podcasts promoting a positive picture of the theatrical industry, especially with young people fueling this great run we are on. I’m the VP of NJ Cinema United regional org, where we are working on getting liquor across the finish line for all theaters in the state. I’ve been working in the movie theater business for 2 years now, starting with Loews in 2004. I am always looking for new ways to help the industry out both internally (too much PLF reliance at the moment) and externally (helping push back against the narrative that young audiences like staying at home for movies, outright not true.)
- Learn more about Alex
Why are you interested in serving on the Executive Board?
I want to help the theatrical industry as much as I possibly can. The ITOC is a board I’ve respected for a long time, and would be honored to be a part of it to lend my voice and help out in any way possible. The best way to impact change is to get in front of the right people, and this board seat would provide me a platform to do that. I really just want to help where I can.What experience or perspective do you bring that you believe will benefit the association?
Along with 10 years of running my own theater and 22 years overall in the business, I have spent the last 2 years as the VP of NJ Cinema United org, where no harmful legislation towards theaters have passed, and we are close to pushing liquor for all movie theaters over the finish line here this Fall.How do you plan to represent the interests of independent companies if elected?
My theater is so unique, being on a college campus and independent, there is never an issue that would come up that could help other indie theaters and hurt me/or vice versa. I can truly act in the best interest of ALL indie theaters, push your concerns forward, or play offense to get new ideas implemented, and it would never impact my theater either way. It provides a unique opportunity for me to help out all different types of of indie theaters, regardless of size or scope.
Adam Harris
- Owner/Operator, Spring Theatre LLC
- Springhill, LA
- adam@springtheatre.com
I began my career in the theatre industry at age 17 at the historic Rio Theatre in Center, Texas. From those early days in exhibition, I developed a passion for the theatre business that has continued throughout my career. At age 24, I founded Spring Theatre LLC and undertook a major renovation of the Spring Theatre in Springhill, Louisiana, beginning what has become a long-term commitment to operating, improving, and reinvesting in theatres. Over the years, my experience has included theatre ownership and operations, film booking, construction and renovation, and industry service. I served as Operations Manager for Byron Berkley and Foothills Entertainment, gaining valuable experience working across theatre operations and the broader exhibition industry. I have also served on the boards of the Louisiana Association of Theatre Owners (LATO) and the Theatre Owners of Mid-America (TOMA). Today, in addition to operating theatres, my work through Quad A Theatre Services includes renovating and reinvesting in existing cinemas, as well as remodeling vacant theatre properties and converting them into new entertainment concepts, including family entertainment centers. My construction experience has also included projects for Schulman Theatres, including Film Alley locations. As an operator, I remain directly involved in film booking and maintain relationships with studio and distribution partners rather than relying on a third-party booking service. This keeps me closely connected to both the opportunities and challenges facing exhibitors in today’s marketplace. Throughout my career, my focus has remained on exhibition: preserving viable theatres, improving the moviegoing experience, strengthening theatre operations, and helping ensure that cinemas—particularly independent and smaller-market theatres—remain an important part of their communities.
- Learn more about Adam
Why are you interested in serving on the Executive Board?
I want to serve on the Cinema United Executive Board because I believe the future of theatrical exhibition depends on our ability to work together while ensuring operators of every size have a meaningful voice. My career has given me perspectives as an independent owner and operator, operations manager, film buyer, contractor, and member of regional theatre-owner associations. I have seen firsthand how national industry decisions can affect independent and smaller-market exhibitors differently than larger circuits. Because I handle my own film booking, I also work directly with studio and distribution partners. I value those relationships, but I believe strong partnerships also require candid communication and a willingness to address terms or practices that place an unfair burden on exhibitors. I would approach board service with responsibility to exhibition as a whole while bringing a practical operator’s perspective grounded in what theatre owners experience every day.What experience or perspective do you bring that you believe will benefit the association?
I would bring a hands-on perspective built from nearly every level of theatrical exhibition. I began at a single-screen historic theatre at 17, became an owner at 24, and have since worked in theatre operations, film booking, renovation, construction, and larger entertainment projects. My service with LATO and TOMA has also given me experience working collectively with other exhibitors. Because I handle my own film booking, I work directly with studio and distribution partners and understand the importance of productive relationships while recognizing when terms or practices should be questioned. I also understand the realities facing independent and smaller-market exhibitors, where limited capital and rising operating costs can make industry decisions especially consequential. That combination of ownership, operations, booking, construction, association service, and small-market experience would allow me to bring a practical, independent perspective to the Cinema United Executive Board.How do you plan to represent the interests of independent companies if elected?
One of my priorities would be ensuring that independent and smaller-market exhibitors have a meaningful voice within Cinema United and throughout the industry. I strongly support productive relationships among exhibitors, studios, distributors, and industry partners. However, partnership should not prevent difficult conversations. When film terms, booking arrangements, policies, or release strategies place an unfair or disproportionate burden on exhibitors, I believe Cinema United should advocate firmly and constructively for fair arrangements. I would also prioritize the long-term sustainability of existing theatres. Operators need realistic opportunities to reinvest in aging properties, adopt new technologies, improve seating and amenities, and respond to changing consumer expectations. I have spent much of my career giving older theatres new life. Preserving and strengthening these properties—particularly in communities where the cinema remains an important cultural and economic asset—should be part of Cinema United’s vision for the future of exhibition.
Penn Ketchum
- Owner/Film Buyer, Penn Cinema Management Co., LLC
- Lititz, PA
- penn@penncinema.com
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. One thing led to another and I went away to college in Pennsylvania where I met Aimee. We have two amazing children- Marley (27) and Kayla (24). I had a good job pushing paper and was climbing the ranks of County government when I had this idea to build a movie theater in my hometown of Lititz, PA. I had to find an investor and ultimately put together a plan to open Penn Cinema in November of 2006. We opened as a 10-plex but quickly grew to add another 4 screens and eventually an IMAX screen as well. Penn Cinema in Lititz is consistently in the Top Ten and often the Top Five of our DMA. We built another 15-plex in Wilmington, DE called Penn Cinema Riverfront IMAX and in 2018 we opened a 7-plex in Huntingdon Valley, PA (outside of Philly). I book my own movies and routinely get into it with the studios. Sometimes I get my way, frequently I do not, but it’s always interesting and I think my relationships with the studios are an important part of my job. With our kids out of the house and two major renovations behind us, I am at that point where I actually do have time to continue to increase my involvement with Cinema United. Along those lines, I’ve also recently accepted the nomination to become President of Pennsylvania Cinema United subject to an official vote in October at our Regional Meeting.
- Learn more about Penn
Why are you interested in serving on the Executive Board?
I’ve enjoyed my increasing involvement with various aspects of Cinema United including the Strategic Planning Committee and my Regional CU (Pennsylvania CU). I think CU is doing amazing work and a smart and engaging Executive Board is critical to continuing that positive momentum. I think that by serving on the Executive Board I would be putting my money/time where my mouth is- If CU is so important, why wouldn’t I want to help? Also, on a selfish note, I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement and I find the work fascinating.What experience or perspective do you bring that you believe will benefit the association?
My perspective is through the lens of a family owned theater where our community is at the center of almost all of our decisions. My experience with my theaters takes this perspective, treasures it and puts it to use selling movie tickets. I think we can be all about our communities and still be in business to make money. Seeing them as mutually exclusive is a mistake. I have received many community awards and recognitions for being a good guy, but I have also made real money and in fact- I think the two can go hand in hand quite well. I think my experience as someone who has founded a financially successful theater based on community minded principles would be of value to the association.How do you plan to represent the interests of independent companies if elected?
I think the biggest challenge I would face in “representing the independents” is a problem we are already navigating in Pennsylvania (and I suspect all Regionals) where the range of what being an “independent” means can vary so dramatically. I would try communicating with them to keep them in the loop and make sure folks are tracking what’s happening at the national level. I think that communicating decisions or dynamics that will affect us is every bit as important as attempting to influence policy. But the truth is I really don’t know. It seems like a massive challenge and I’m game to give it a go.
Stephanie Silverman
- Executive Director, Belcourt Theatre
- Nashville, TN
- stephanie@belcourt.org
Stephanie Silverman has served as Executive Director of the Belcourt Theatre for nearly two decades, leading one of the nation’s most respected nonprofit art-house cinemas through a period of extraordinary growth, innovation, and national influence. The Belcourt—a three-screen nonprofit film center housed in a beautifully restored 1925 neighborhood theatre in the heart of Nashville—presents the best in contemporary and repertory cinema and delivers high-impact film education programs both onsite and throughout the community. Under Silverman’s leadership, the Belcourt has become widely regarded by peers, funders, and industry leaders as a national model for sustainable, community-centered art-house exhibition. Before joining the Belcourt, Silverman held key roles within prominent arts institutions including the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, gaining broad experience across arts administration, programming, and community engagement. She is a former chair of the board of the League of Historic American Theatres, has been an active and influential voice within the Art House Convergence, and regularly represents the independent exhibition field on national stages. Silverman was named Nashvillian of the Year by the Nashville Scene in 2016.
- Learn more about Stephanie
Why are you interested in serving on the Executive Board?
I admire the work Cinema United does championing our industry, and I’d welcome the chance to help extend that work by being a voice from the independent exhibition sector at the table. Theatres like ours face a distinct set of challenges and opportunities, and I believe our perspective can add real depth to the Board’s decision-making. Having served on other national boards, I understand that effective governance means working collaboratively toward shared goals, even when priorities differ. I also know that the strongest collective decisions come from a table with genuinely representative voices, ones that reflect the full range of exhibition models our industry includes. I’d bring both that collaborative instinct and a commitment to ensuring independent and art house operators are heard in the conversations that shape our industry’s future.What experience or perspective do you bring that you believe will benefit the association?
As executive director of the Belcourt Theatre for the past 19 years, I’ve had a firsthand view of the challenges and opportunities facing independent exhibitors. I’ve also had the opportunity to serve on the boards of two other national organizations, The League of Historic American Theatres and the Art House Convergence, which has allowed me to see challenges and opportunities in our field through a wider lens. More recently, serving on Cinema United’s strategic planning committee this year meant really digging into the most immediate hurdles and goals for our broad collection of members while being a voice for independents at a table with exhibitors from across the spectrum. I’ve built deep experience across marketing, audience development, and programming, and can speak to both the day-to-day realities and systemic issues our sector navigates.How do you plan to represent the interests of independent companies if elected?
At the Belcourt, we’ve thrived by both innovating independently and learning from our peers across the art house community. That experience has underscored for me how varied and unique independent cinemas are but how many of our challenges are shared. With nearly 20 years in this field, I understand the complexity of operating an independent theatre and the importance of having a voice in conversations with our larger industry, our government and, most importantly, the public at large. If elected, I’ll work to ensure the voices and needs of independents are heard and valued, bringing both strategic perspective and a collaborative spirit to Cinema United’s work.
Emelyn Stuart
- CEO/Owner, Stuart Cinema & Cafe
- New York, NY
- stuartcinemacafe@gmail.com
Emelyn Stuart is the owner of Stuart Cinema & Café, an independent cinema in Long Island City, Queens, and a longtime advocate for independent theatrical exhibition. She previously served on Cinema United’s Independent Theater Owners Coalition and currently serves as Treasurer of New York Women in Film & Television and as a Board Member of Art House Convergence. Emelyn is passionate about strengthening independent cinemas, expanding access to diverse and independent films, and ensuring that exhibitors of all sizes have a voice in the future of the theatrical industry.
- Learn more about Emelyn
Why are you interested in serving on the Executive Board?
I am interested in serving on the Executive Board because I believe my experience as an independent theater owner gives me a valuable perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our industry. Having previously served on Cinema United’s Independent Theater Owners Coalition, I understand the importance of collaboration and having the voices of independent exhibitors represented in industry leadership. I want to help strengthen the theatrical exhibition business, expand our audiences, support diverse and independent films, and ensure that theaters of all sizes can remain viable and relevant in a rapidly changing industry. I would bring a hands-on perspective, a commitment to advocacy, and a strong connection to both exhibitors and the creative community. I see Cinema United as an important force in shaping the future of theatrical exhibition, and I would be honored to contribute to that work at the Executive Board level.What experience or perspective do you bring that you believe will benefit the association?
I bring the perspective of an independent theater owner who is actively operating at the intersection of exhibition, community, and the creative industry. I understand firsthand the challenges exhibitors face, from rising operating costs and changing audience habits to programming, staffing, and competing for attention in an increasingly crowded entertainment landscape. My experience serving on Cinema United’s Independent Theater Owners Coalition gave me insight into the importance of collaboration and advocacy across the exhibition community. I also bring experience from my leadership roles with New York Women in Film & Television and Art House Convergence, which have strengthened my connections to filmmakers, artists, and other industry professionals. I believe this combination of hands-on exhibition experience, independent theater advocacy, and a strong connection to the creative community would allow me to contribute a practical and forward-thinking perspective to Cinema United.How do you plan to represent the interests of independent companies if elected?
I plan to represent independent companies by bringing the real-world perspective of independent operators to the table and making sure our concerns are part of Cinema United’s broader industry conversations. I would maintain an open dialogue with independent exhibitors to understand the challenges they are facing and bring those concerns forward in a constructive, solutions-oriented way. I would advocate for policies and industry practices that recognize the unique realities of independent theaters, including access to content, fair business practices, audience development, technology, and the rising costs of operating a cinema. I also believe independent theaters have an important role in cultivating new audiences and supporting diverse and independent filmmakers. My goal would be to help build stronger collaboration between independent and larger exhibitors while ensuring that independent companies have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect the future of theatrical exhibition.
Andrew Thomas
- Owner, Moonstruck East River LLC
- Houston, TX
- andrew@moonstruckdrivein.com
Andrew Thomas has been a cinema owner and operator since Christmas Day 2013, when he and his wife Juanita opened their first cinema after a year long renovation then undertook every night and weekend after Andrew got off work at his day job. Andrew has three children, John, William, and Olivia, all teenagers now who work with him at the cinema. You will regularly find Andrew at the cinema, tinkering with this thing or that. Troubleshooting and problem solving are some of his favorite activities, and like an exhibitor knows, there is always something to work on…especially on a busy Friday or Saturday night! In addition to his work as an exhibitor, Andrew is involved in cinema also through film distribution, a path he has traveled down seeing the need for more films to be brought to all of our screens.
- Learn more about Andrew
Why are you interested in serving on the Executive Board?
I love our industry, and the particular community of exhibitors. I have grown up always being taught to find opportunities to serve others. That is how I view this position, another way in which I can serve. A chance to give back to the industry that welcome me in as a bright eyed 26 year old who had never even worked in a movie theater when he opened his cinema.What experience or perspective do you bring that you believe will benefit the association?
Outside of this being my only real job of my entire adult life, I have very extensive knowledge of legal aspects of our industry that can often be confusing and difficult to parse. We are often told that certain things “can’t” be done, and under different regulatory regimes, that was true. But it is 2026, and we have to take advantage of how things have changed. Other parties that play a role in cinema exhibition certainly have.How do you plan to represent the interests of independent companies if elected?
I am laser-focused on the issues that impact our smallest members of the association. Those of us with just a few screens have a particular set of issues that need to be kept at the forefront of the conversations being had within our association. Currently, the executive board is lacking in representation of the most common type of exhibitor in the association, and I would love to bring our common issues up as often and as vigorously as possible. I think too often we can throw our hands up and say things just are the way that they are. I intend to make every effort to move the ball down the field for my fellow independents.
Steve Zuehlke
- COO, LOOK Dine-In Cinemas
- Dallas, TX
- szuehlke@lookcinemas.com
WORK: Current COO – LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, Dallas, Tx – 2 yrs COO – Elevate Entertainment Group (EVO), Austin, Tx – 5m (’24) EVP – Global Theatre Operations, Cinemark – 35 1/2 yrs – Opened all offices in every country we started operations. Country manager for 2 for initial periods. Opening GM – Embassy Theatre, Santikos, San Antonio< Tx – 1 yr City Manager (Omaha, NE) – Commonwealth Theatres (and varying other GM positions – greater KC, MO) – 8 yrs. Assistant City Manager – Mann Theatres, Ft Collins, CO – 3 yrs (while at Colo State) INDUSTRY: Conventions Committee chair/member – NATO (now Cinema United) – 10 yrs Current Security Officers Committee – 10+ yrs Membership Committee – current and prior – 5 years Advisory Board member – 7+ yrs Member of the Reopening the Cinema Industry Task Force (pandemic era) PHILANTHROPIC: Current President – Variety-the Children’s Charity International Current Board member – US Variety Current Board member and prior 2 term Chairman of Variety-Texas AWARDS: Career Achievement in International Exhibition – ShowEast 2023 Hollywood Reporter “Master Marketer Award” – ShoWest 1987 Platinum for Life – American Airlines (2mm miles – all actual – in a plane seat, very few NOT in coach) – 2004 FAMILY: Wife – Sue; 3 kids 3 grandkids, 7 horses, 2 donkeys, 1 dog, 3 cats
- Learn more about Steve
Why are you interested in serving on the Executive Board?
Lifelong industry professionals 53 years and counting; it’s not what I do – it’s Who I am. I bring a length and breadth of cinema experience that I believe would benefit the Exec Board – small chains (Gr Island) – large chains; traditional theatres, Dine-ins. Focus on Operations, Strategy, Planning, F&B, Marketing, Crisis mgmt (Ops – Aurora, CO); read and signed sub-certification forms for 10-Qs and 10-Ks for Cinemark for 12+ years Passion for cinemas and our role in communitiesWhat experience or perspective do you bring that you believe will benefit the association?
In addition to, and fleshing-out the Work and Industry sections of my bio above, especially as it relates to the board seat for which I’m putting in my candidacy – understanding that independents have to work with far fewer resources to get the “show” on the screen. Corp folks wear multiple hats, and on any given day, many of those hats during the same day. Independent cinemas have to stretch each and every dollar – every day of every week. There’s a business perspective to that way a smaller company has to do business – a voice that’s important for the Executive Board of the trade body to have within its membership so that it can fully appreciate the full spectrum of its members (including potential members). More too, the Dine-In cinema side of the industry is a unique sibling to traditional cinemas. I have knowledge and experience in both.How do you plan to represent the interests of independent companies if elected?
With honesty, integrity, commitment to sharing the Independent perspective to the industry – doing so by listening, communicating w/, and advocating for the concerns of the independent cinema community to the Trade Association’s governing body. Share ‘home town roots’ and importance of independent theatre to their communities, bringing them together – sharing filmed entertainment and live events (e.g. – MET Opera, boxing, etc) and explain how they are ‘local faces’ of the cinema industry, how they interact with local business-folk and local and state elected officials.
