The AGMA Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Boyd (he/him/his) as AGMA’s new National Executive Director. Boyd, a seasoned labor leader and staunch advocate for workers’ rights, brings over 25 years of experience to AGMA, including pivotal roles within national and global unions.
Jeffrey Boyd’s career spans decades of labor movement leadership. Most recently, Boyd served as an International Officer for the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tourism, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF). In this role, he led campaigns and communications across more than 40 countries, championing the rights of workers in sectors ranging from hospitality to food production. His efforts have included groundbreaking initiatives in workplace democracy, equity, and inclusion rights in authoritarian, developing countries. He has also played a key role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights within the worldwide labor movement as Chair of the Council of Global Unions LGBTI Coordinating Committee, including leading efforts to promote equality and protections for workers across a network representing over 200 million members worldwide.
A former organizer and director with UNITE HERE, Boyd has managed large teams and budgets, overseen numerous collective bargaining negotiations, and mobilized thousands of union members across the globe. His commitment to worker empowerment, coupled with his lifelong passion for the performing arts, makes him uniquely positioned to help lead AGMA into 2025 and beyond.
“AGMA represents the very best of the performing arts and labor movement—a commitment to both artistic excellence and workers’ rights. I am thrilled to unite my two lifelong passions and to work alongside AGMA leaders, members, staff, and sibling unions to ensure the arts industry lives up to its values,” stated incoming National Executive Director Jeffrey Boyd.
“From New York City to Dallas to San Francisco and beyond, I can’t imagine a more pivotal time for AGMA than right now. The challenges we face are fueling our determination, sparking our creativity, strengthening our organization, and deepening our unity. Together, we will continue to fight for fair wages, equitable and safe workplaces, and the recognition artists deserve as essential contributors to society,” Boyd continued.
Boyd’s appointment follows a six-month national search assisted by an executive search firm. The search included candidates from a variety of professional backgrounds, previous experience with unions and the arts, and race, ethnicity, and gender identification. AGMA sought a leader capable of navigating the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Union today. The AGMA Board of Governors unanimously approved the appointment of Boyd at its September 4 Board of Governors Meeting. His official start date is December 1.
“Jeffrey has a proven track record of grassroots organizing, strategically informed contract campaigns, a commitment to fostering inclusive environments, and member empowerment that directly aligns with our union’s mission,” said AGMA President Ned Hanlon. “The Board of Governors is confident that Jeffrey’s commitment to artist-worker solidarity will strengthen AGMA’s position as a leader in both the Labor Movement and the performing arts industry.”
Boyd’s arrival in December comes as an anti-labor, anti-artist administration is about to take hold of the country, placing new pressures on performing artists and unions alike. Boyd’s experience as a strategic leader with connections throughout the Labor Movement will be invaluable as AGMA confronts these external challenges head-on, united with our sibling unions.
Boyd speaks a number of languages, including French and Spanish. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in French, a Master of Philosophy in French, a Master of Arts in French from Yale University, and a Bachelor of Arts in French and Religious Studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
AGMA members will have the opportunity to meet Boyd during an upcoming series of Area meetings in December.