Docs in Progress, the Silver Spring-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting documentary film making, has hired a new executive director and its first artistic director, the organization announced.
Lynn O’Connell will be the group’s new executive director. O’Connell was most recently the executive director of Computer CORE, an organization that helps low-income adults gain technological and other skills to assist them with career goals.
She has a total of 25 years of experience with nonprofit groups, including 19 serving as an executive director, and volunteer board service with Little Theatre of Alexandria, Adventure Theatre and Empowered Women International, among others, including Dining for Women, where she is board chair.
“I am delighted to join Docs In Progress, an organization which has such a timely mission and the possibility of far-reaching impact through the power of documentary films and storytelling. It’s important we realize that there is never a single story. With this as a guiding principle, Docs In Progress seeks to help all people—emerging filmmakers, nonprofits, and underserved populations—gain the tools to tell their stories to inspire, educate and transform our communities and world,” said O’Connell in the announcement.
Angela Pinaglia, a documentarian and educator, will serve as artistic director. Her experience with Docs in Progress includes being chosen a 2018 Fellow, serving as the first facilitator for the Fellows Program, a teaching artist for virtual teen filmmaking workshops and virtual festival coordinator for Community Stories.
“Docs was so helpful for me as an independent filmmaker; they provided me the space and support to grow personally and professionally,” said Pinaglia. “So, I’m happy to join this team and continue the work of supporting the filmmaking community.”
The organization also announced that Barbara Valentino, who has served as interim director for the past 15 months, would return to the Docs in Progress board of directors as its board chair.
Top photo, Lynn O’Connell. Below, Angela Pinaglia. Docs in Progress photos