About the CFCA


CFCA President Dann Gire and Founder Sue Kiner.

About the Chicago Film Critics Association


EXEMPTION STATUS

The Chicago Film Critics Association is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization which maintains a 501 (c)3 status. The parent association was founded in 1990 by film critic Sue Kiner after the successful launch of the Chicago Film Critics Awards in 1989.

GOALS & ACTIVITIES

The Chicago Film Critics Association maintains professional, charitable and educational goals, overseeing:

  • Chicago Film Critics Awards - Held annually, this newsworthy and prestigious event honors outstanding film works, performances and individuals.
  • Critic Roundtables - This informal gathering of critics is held at colleges and universities to engage the public in critical discussion.
  • Friends of the Critics - While a non-voting membership, it provides film lovers greater access to the film community through a quarterly newsletter, networking events and fundraising activities.
  • "A Day at the Movies" - This innovative arts/media literacy program sends inner city schoolchildren on "film field trips" with their teachers.
  • Industry & Rights Issues - The association takes a stand on important issues affecting the industry and/or artists' rights, issuing an official statement from its 40+ membership.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The association is overseen by the Board of Directors. The original Board maintained seven members -- Sue Kiner, Dann Gire, John Iltis, Johanna Steinmetz, Norman Mark, Sharon LeMaire and Roy Leonard. The Board was first expanded in 1992 with the addition of Sherman Wolf and Nick Pullia. Currently, the Board consists of eight individuals -- film publicists John Iltis (charter member) and Sherman Wolf, and film critics Dann Gire (charter member), Michael Wilmington, Jeff Westhoff, Peter Sobczynski, Lisa Alspector and John Petrakis. The by-laws allow upwards of 13 Board members.

Charter Board members have lifetime Board appointments, if they choose. Board members elected after 1990 serve an initial two years with a possible two year renewal thereafter.

There are four positions on the Executive Board -- president, vice president, secretary/archivist and treasurer. In 12 years each of these positions has transitioned only once, guaranteeing the association strong stability. The current Board is Dann Gire (president), John Petrakis (vice president), Jeff Westhoff (secretary/archivist) and Sherman Wolf (treasurer).

COMMITTEES

The association also has off-Board committees overseen by member critics. Some of the committees include:

  • Artists' Rights
  • Voting Rules & Procedures
  • Membership Qualification
  • Hotline Communications
  • E-mail Communications
  • Web Communications
  • Critic Roundtables
  • Friends of the Critics Program
  • "A Day at the Movies" program
  • Awards Show
  • CFCA Home Page
  • 2001 Awards
    Past Award Shows
    The Critics
    Other Information
    Contact Us

    Chicago Film Critics Association


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    A TAX-EXEMPT, NOT-FOR-PROFIT ASSOCIATION