EXCLUSIVE: Breaking News! Jackie Brenneman, the National Association of Theatre Owners’ EVP & General Counsel, has officially departed. This major development took effect on Friday. Brenneman, who was also a founder and the President of The Cinema Foundation, a sister organization to NATO, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable contributions. This news comes in the wake of the new administration at NATO, led by President and CEO Michael O’Leary, who took over from John Fithian in May. Additionally, Patrick Corcoran, NATO’s VP & Chief Comms Officer, bid farewell to the organization after an impressive 24-year tenure.
Brenneman played a crucial role in NATO’s legislative efforts and the rescue of struggling theaters during the challenging times of the Covid pandemic. She tirelessly worked to ensure that smaller theaters received the necessary funds, loans, and paycheck protection. Collaborating closely with Fithian, she lobbied, strategized, and drafted legislation. Brenneman also took charge of reviewing, interpreting, and communicating regulations, application processes, and best practices to the organization’s exhibition members.
Brenneman, an accomplished alumna of NYU and UC Irvine Law School, joined NATO in 2014 as Counsel and Director of Industry Relations. Her dedication and expertise led to promotions within the organization, ultimately reaching the position of EVP & General Counsel in December 2021.
In late 2021, Brenneman and her colleagues at NATO launched The Cinema Foundation, aiming to provide unbiased data on the state of the industry between exhibitors and studios. This initiative was born out of the theatrical day-and-date debate, which gained prominence when most cinemas were closed due to the pandemic. The Cinema Foundation also spearheaded National Cinema Day, an annual event offering discounted admissions for all movies at thousands of participating theaters and screens. This Sunday, audiences can enjoy any show or format for no more than $4. The Cinema Foundation also actively supported diversity initiatives in exhibition and played a significant role in promoting technological advancements and innovation within the industry, particularly in areas such as accessibility, audience insights, and theatrical presentation.
No successor has been announced following Brenneman’s departure.
NATO has not yet responded to requests for comment.
