Sandy Lighterman, Film Commissioner for Broward County (Film Lauderdale), has been re-elected President of Film Florida. It was announced at the Film Florida Annual Meeting, along with the entire Film Florida Board of Directors for 2025-2026. The 2025-2026 Film Florida Board of Directors (and alternate board members) reside in fourteen different counties in Florida stretching from Escambia County (Pensacola) to Monroe County (Key West).

“It’s an honor to continue serving as President of Film Florida. I’m proud of what our organization has accomplished in recent years, and I look forward to building on that success,” said Lighterman. “Our goal remains clear: to reinforce the message that Florida is open for business—with skilled crews, diverse locations, and a strong network of support services for the industry. I’m excited to continue collaborating with industry professionals and our educational partners as we pursue new opportunities to strengthen Florida’s screen production industry. With a rich history in film and television production, this industry continues to be a vital part of Florida’s economic growth and diversification, and we’re committed to competing for high-wage jobs in this sector.”

As the Broward County Film Commissioner, Sandy Lighterman represents the Greater Fort Lauderdale region’s screen production industry and works diligently to attract production business to all corners of the County. Sandy has served in Film Florida Leadership for 10+ years and has also served on Advisory Boards for several educational organizations that support teaching a film curriculum to underserved communities. Prior to her role in Broward County, Sandy spent nearly 14 years as the Miami-Dade County Film & Entertainment Commissioner. Before that time, she enjoyed a successful 25+ year career as a film and television producer. Sandy brings a wealth of industry experience to her position from producing 200+ music videos and TV commercials, as well as television series and independent films.

2025 – 2026 Executive Board Officers:
President – Sandy Lighterman, Film Lauderdale (Film Commission Council)
1st Vice President – Matt Wohl, Traveling Dog Films (Industry & Association Council Council)
2nd Vice President – Tyler Martinolich, Film Tampa Bay (Film Commission Council)
Secretary – Michael Viera, SAG-AFTRA (Labor Council)
Treasurer – Anne Russell, Full Sail University (Education Council)
Immediate Past President – Gail Morgan, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Film Commission (Film Commission Council)

Additional Board Members:
Film Commission Council: Chair- Brooke Hill, Orlando Film Commission; Vice Chair- Chad Newman, Florida Keys & Key West Film Commission; Secretary- Gaby LaJeunesse, Florida’s Sports Coast Film Commission; Alternates- Meagan Happel, Florida’s Space Coast Film Commission; Mat Ratner, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Michelle Hillery, Palm Beach County Film and Television Commission.

Industry & Association Council: Chair- Jennelle Jordan, Women in Film & Television Florida; Vice Chair- Sabine Krausch Talent Direct Agency; Secretary- Chris Odom, FireFly Media Group; Alternates- Dana Pellerin, Universal Studios Florida Production Group; Alexa Sheehan, HarborDashery Productions, LLC; and Eddy Moon, White Elephant Group.

Education Council: Chair- Dr. Devin Marsh, After School Film Institute (ASFI); Vice Chair- Josh Ellis, Miami-Dade College; Secretary- Stephen McDowell, Florida State University College of Communication & Information; Alternates- Saliha Nelson, Urgent, Inc.; Moe Fowler, Valencia College; and Patrick Alexander, Ringling College of Art and Design.

Labor Council: Leah Sokolowsky, Teamsters Local 769 and Jim Roberts, IATSE 477.

About Film Florida: Film Florida is a state-wide non-profit entertainment production organization that serves a leadership role in Florida’s screen production industry by representing all aspects of the business including film commissions, industry, labor, associations, and education. Our intention is to unite, inspire and innovate to build a more robust and retentive industry in Florida. The growing membership driven organization provides a network, a platform, and the benefits of playing an active part in solidifying Florida’s position as a major entertainment production destination, positive economic development driver and tourism generator. For more information about Film Florida visit FilmFlorida.org.

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Contact:
Sandy Lighterman, President, slighterman@broward.org, 954-439-1289
John Lux, Executive Director, jlux@filmflorida.org, 407-494-6195