The Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) has hired former Pacific Screenwriting Program (PSP) program director Raila Gutman (pictured) to its B.C.-based branch.

Gutman has joined the CMPA this week as director, member development, BC Producers Branch (CMPA-BC). As part of the Vancouver-based role, Gutman will oversee the branch’s “industry partnerships, equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, mentorship programs, and training and professional development activities for members, including international and export initiatives.”

The role, which reports to Tracey Friesen, managing VP of CMPA-BC, was previously held by Linda Hay, who is pursuing other opportunities, according to the CMPA.

During her time in the role Hay had a hand in developing important sector partnerships and business affairs training initiatives, as well as leading producer delegations at conferences and markets, including Content LA, Kidscreen and Realscreen West.

Gutman most recently served as the program director for non-profit initiative PSP, which gives career advancement opportunities to B.C.-based screenwriters. It was jointly founded in 2018 by CMPA-BC, Creative BC and Netflix. Gutman has also worked at Corus Entertainment as marketing director.

“Over the past three years serving on the board of the PSP, I’ve had the pleasure of working directly with Raila to build this much-needed organization from the ground up,” said CMPA COO Liz Shorten. “In that short time, the PSP has made meaningful strides in building and nurturing B.C.’s screenwriter community. These accomplishments are in large part to Raila’s unmatched skills and dedication.”