The Independent Film & Television Alliance, the global trade association and host of the American Film Market, has named Jackie Brenneman as its next president and chief executive, succeeding Jean Prewitt, who is stepping down at the end of the month after 25 years leading the organization.

Brenneman joins IFTA with a career spanning organizational leadership, government relations, legal practice, and nonprofit oversight. She spent nearly a decade at theatrical industry trade group NATO (National Association of Theatre Owners), rising through the organization to EVP and General Counsel, where she served as a strategic leader for the exhibition community and the organization’s membership during periods of significant change and disruption. Her work encompassed competition and regulatory matters, including exhibition industry response to the termination of the Paramount Consent Decrees, advocacy on copyright and trade policy, revenue and partnership development, and event management.

She led NATO’s industry relief efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, including its Save Our Screens initiative, and was President of The Cinema Foundation, the organization’s nonprofit arm dedicated to advancing the cultural and economic impact of theatrical exhibition. She left NATO in 2023. The organization was rebranded as Cinema United last year.

Most recently, Brenneman served as CEO of Attend, a new theatrical marketplace connecting independent filmmakers directly with exhibitors to expand distribution opportunities, and as a founding partner of The Fithian Group.

Earlier in her career, she practiced as a trademark and copyright attorney at Foley & Lardner LLP.

“Jackie brings industry insight, legal and lobbying expertise, and a proven record of guiding complex membership organizations,” said Paul Bales, IFTA chair and Partner & COO, The Asylum. “Her deep appreciation of how business, public affairs, and creative communities intersect, and her experience navigating the fast pace of evolution in our industry and the challenges it presents, especially for independent companies, make her uniquely qualified to lead IFTA and AFM into their next chapter. We look forward to working closely with her.”

“This is a pivotal moment for the independent film and television community, which has always been defined by risk-taking and innovation,” said Brenneman. “As the industry undergoes rapid transformation—through consolidation, new financing structures, and evolving models of production and distribution—independents are uniquely positioned to shape new paths forward and lead the next phase of change.

“Thanks to the strong foundation Jean has built, IFTA and AFM are entering this next chapter from a position of real strength. Having seen firsthand the power of collaboration across the independent sector, I’m excited to work with our members and with new partners across the global ecosystem to ensure that IFTA and AFM continue to evolve as the premier platforms where independent creativity, innovative business models, and meaningful dealmaking come together.”

Prewitt, who has served as IFTA president and CEO since 2000, significantly increased the prominence and visibility of IFTA in the U.S. and internationally. She has an advocate for the independent sector, ensuring that their needs and business models were consistently represented across policy and industry forums. She elevated IFTA’s flagship AFM event into one of the world’s premier destinations for the global film and television industry to conduct business and dealmaking

“I am incredibly proud of what the IFTA community and AFM have become and continually inspired by the creativity and commitment of our members and team,” said Prewitt. “Jackie’s experience and understanding of this industry position her exceptionally well to lead both the Alliance and AFM forward and to support the entrepreneurial spirit and needs of the Independents.”