“I Endorse Mike Akins for Business Agent.”

Mike O’Neill, Construction Gang Boss

Cameron Beasley, Art Department

Robert Maxfield, Sound Mixer

Katie Troebs, UPM/Production Coordinator

Phillip Ayala, Construction Foreman

Kevin Amick - Director of Membership, Director of Education, Certified Medic

Dan Cornwall, Chief Lighting Technician

Darryl Humber, Dolly Grip

Greg Mills, Construction Coordinator

Tabitha Mills, Construction Buyer

Robert Kempf, Key Grip

Fred Duffer, Video Assist

Kathy “KT” Tonkin, Special Effects Coordinator

Adam Johnson, Construction Coordinator

Ashlynn Findley, Construction Buyer

Ray Brown, Key Grip

Eddie Evans, Key Grip

Jack Chouchanian, Key Grip

Guthrie Strozier, Paint Gongboss

Rich Hobaica, Prop Master

Matt Mehring, Special Effects Foreman

Laurie Garner, Prop Master

Mark Weinstein, Atlanta Line Producer/UPM

Day Permuy, Production Manager

Jason Hoffman, Construction Foreman

Mark Klopper, Dimmer Board Op

Dale Fowler, Chief Lighting Technician

Chris Birdsong, Key Grip

Whit Norris, Sound Mixer

Mike Floyd, Retired Grip

Bob Shelley, Special Effects Coordinator

Lisa Reynolds, Special Effects Foreman

Wally Mikowlski, Construction Coordinator

Ray Warren, Certified Medic

Paul Goodstein, Key Grip

Aaron “Cujo” Cooley, Sound Mixer

Tedd Sapp, Key Grip

Liza Foy, Asst. Prop Master

Katrina Rice, Prop Master

Megan Narduzzi, Set Designer

Kristin Krute, Construction Foreman

Eric Strozier, Construction Propmaker

Jeff Morris, Electrician

Endorsement by Day Permuy, member since October, 2006

My name is Day Permuy. Many of you know me as a Production Manager and have worked for me down through the years.

Today, I am writing to talk to you about our industry in Atlanta.

As someone who regularly hires hundreds of members of IATSE Local 479 to work on feature films and streaming productions, I am constantly in meetings with representatives of the studios, the state, the stages, the equipment suppliers, and the unions.

My job relies on the expertise of all of these individuals.

You don’t need me to tell you that our industry is in a real crisis at this point in time – you may already be working a couple of outside jobs just to make ends meet while you wait for a call from a show. Believe me, I have a ton of friends throughout this industry, and I am witnessing these struggles up close around Atlanta – there are things happening right now that could impact our industry in ways we haven’t seen in 30 years.

My own career began right here in Atlanta in 1993 and I never moved away, even as I began to move up to larger and larger projects. I love this city and I love my crews here. They are my family.   I am a member of the Directors Guild of America, the Producers Guild of America, and I am also a member of IATSE Local 479.

One of the people I am regularly in contact with in my work life is Mike Akins, the Business Agent of IATSE Local 479.

You may not agree with him all the time, I have not myself, but Mike Akins knows the contracts better than anybody in the room, he’s as good at math as my accountants, he doesn’t back down easily, he is always fighting for 479 crews, and more than anything: he has decades of experience in the job.  Mike Akins is formidable.

You’d have to be in the industry for a long time to remember when there were only 1-2 shows a year.  That Georgia industry had to be very scrappy and creative to stay afloat.  Mike Akins was an integral part of us getting lobbyists and fighting for the incentive that shot our state into the spotlight of the film industry.  Dare I say that if not for Mike, there would not be an industry to fight for in Atlanta today.

Our current situation in Georgia’s film industry is dire.  It’s important that the representative we charge with talking with studio labor departments can articulate and speak with the kind of confidence that only comes with years of experience.  Mike has relationships that he has built over a long time in film labor.  I know firsthand that the Labor representatives at the studios respect and have a good relationship with Mike, they trust him and have confidence in him. This interpersonal knowledge allows him to advocate for Georgia in a highly effective way with the studios for today’s industry.

At this tipping point in the Atlanta film industry, with as much uncertainty as there is in the world, I hope that everyone can look hard at their decision: Mike Akins should continue to perform the duties of Business Agent for IATSE Local 479.

I am proud to endorse Mike Akins for Business Agent of Local 479.

Endorsement by Jason Hoffman, member since August, 2015

My friends, brothers, and sisters—

Thank you to everyone who voted, who showed up, who supported, who called, who encouraged, and who believed in this campaign. I am humbled by every message, every handshake, and every person who took the time to cast a ballot in this election cycle. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be your candidate.

We came up a little short this time, but we gained so much—new relationships, new lessons, and a renewed understanding of what matters most to the hardworking men and women of our local. I stand here proud of the campaign we ran and deeply grateful for the trust so many of you placed in me.

Elections aren’t just about winning or losing. They’re about showing up. They’re about making your voice heard. And every single one of you who participated strengthened our union and our future.

As we move forward, unity is essential. The work continues, and it’s important that we put our full support behind the leadership that will represent us effectively and fight for what our members deserve.

That’s why I want to offer my full and enthusiastic endorsement to our incumbent Business Agent, Mike Akins. Mike has proven time and again that he is committed to our members, our jobs, and our future. I have complete confidence in his ability to continue leading with integrity, determination, and experience.

I also proudly endorse Kathy Tonkins for Delegate to the Atlanta-North Georgia Labor Council . Kathy represents the energy, dedication, and forward-thinking leadership that will continue moving our union in the right direction. I urge all of you to stand behind her as she steps into this important role.

Though this campaign has come to an end, my commitment to our local and our brothers and sisters remains as strong as ever. I will continue to work, to support, and to show up—just as all of you have done for me.

Thank you again for the honor of being your candidate. Let’s move forward together, stronger than before.

In solidarity,
Jason Hoffman 

Endorsement by Mark Weinstein, member since April, 2017

I’m proud to endorse Mike Akins for Business Agent of IATSE Local 479. Throughout my years of growth and working in Atlanta as a Line Producer and UPM, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of leadership that understands both the realities of production and the needs of the crews who power it. Mike embodies that balance.

He is professional, present, and deeply committed to protecting the interests of our membership while supporting a healthy, thriving production environment. His communication is clear, his decision-making is grounded, and he consistently demonstrates the integrity and accountability we need in this position.

Mike’s experience, temperament, and dedication make him an exceptional choice. I fully support his candidacy and believe Local 479 will be stronger with him as Business Agent.

— Marc Weinstein
Atlanta Line Producer / Unit Production Manager

Endorsement by Cameron Beasley, member since April, 2009

Just a quick message - no one person is responsible for the decline in film work here in Georgia.

Indeed- the reasons are multifaceted and range from the studios reaction to the strikes, the increase in film incentives overseas (UK, UAE, multiple EU countries) and their lower labor costs, to some issues within our own film community and the processing of film tax rebates.

In order to shift this trend, there are some things that we as a film community can and should do—-that, collectively, will help create a new interest for productions in the state. This will mean proactive work such as meeting directly with studio heads in LA, working with legislators to keep and streamline the GA film incentive and working with all the Locals to put the best foot forward to the people that are running pre-production budgets for cities across the country, overseas and Canada.

Mike Akins is uniquely qualified towards these goals. His business knowledge and experience is critical and he, with others, are actively working towards these goals.

I’m endorsing Mike, please join him and others with this pro-active approach.

Cameron Beasley

Endorsement by Mike O’Neill, member since July, 2018

I am voting for Mike Akins, and would like to encourage my fellow members to do the same.

Those of you that know me know I am not originally from Georgia. I got into the union as a member of local 478 in Louisiana.

The most important point I want to make is that several years ago 478’s long time BA, the one who helped write the Louisiana entertainment tax incentive left union service and we elected new BA. Within a couple years the Louisiana legislature gutted the tax incentive and the industry there is still suffering the effects of that. Our new business agent had no connections in the state legislature. While that isn’t the only factor that ended the Louisiana tax incentive it didn’t help at all.

Because of that I worked in several jurisdictions as a distant hire for several years and eventually moved to Atlanta so I could be with my family.

Mike Akins has spent many years possibly decades cultivating relationships at the state legislature that we as a union need now more than ever if we are to survive. If Georgia messes with this tax incentive we have absolutely no chance of our industry recovering.

Working in Georgia as a member of a different local I have first hand Knowledge that Mike Akins does everything in his power to encourage shows to hire members of 479 first. Unlike many members of our union I followed the rules working in other jurisdictions, you are supposed to ask the BA of the area you want to work in for a permit. The show has to pay housing, per diem, idle time … it’s all in the contract. Mike was always professional when dealing with me, but I also walked away knowing he wanted one of his members to have those positions.

Once I transferred my card Mike welcomed me with open arms. He has gone out of his way to help me. Including staying late at the union hall to help me get a check from the hardship committee.

While I haven’t tried to hide it from anybody I have not made a public statement about it either. Last April I received a cancer diagnosis. I’ve had a couple surgeries and some radiation therapy, and I feel good now and hopefully the worst of it is behind me. In addition to the hardship money Mike directed me to our union benefit rep who helped me get money from my cap account and a met life policy I didn’t even know we had. I am one of thousands of members who Mike hardly knows. But he went out of his to help in one of my most desperate moments. So I refuse to listen to anybody who says Mike does not care.

We need the experience Mike brings to the table.

Please join me in voting for Mike Akins as our business agent.

In solidarity

Michael O’Neill

Endorsement by Mark Klopper, member since October, 2015

I’m an Atlanta native and have been working in the industry for 35 years (25 years as a Georgia IATSE member). The number of productions and studios that have come into our jurisdiction is remarkable. In addition to the tax incentives, I credit this influx to the talented members of Local 479. We’ve built a national reputation as a top-tier production community. The recent changes in the industry have been hard on everyone. Despite the challenging environment, I strongly believe Mike Akins is fighting for us and that that he cares about the membership.

I was detached from the administrative side of the union until the first time a show butchered my crew’s payroll. Mike sorted it out and continued to help me more times than I can count. I’ve recovered wages, retroactively collected benefits, and received contract guidance repeatedly. When COVID wreaked havoc on our industry, Mike worked around the clock to help us with unemployment applications, a support network, and a return-to-work strategy. His institutional knowledge of the industry is incomparable. Relationships with the Georgia State Capitol, producers, and studios take time to build. It’s not an entry-level position. It takes decades to build trust with lawmakers and clients and minutes to wreck it if someone isn’t experienced.

Rather than getting information from internet clips, I encourage voters to talk to the many members who have been helped by Mike over the years. I’ve never seen him give up on us.

I’m proud to be a member of Georgia’s Studio Mechanics and I have complete confidence in Mike’s ability to lead us in the next term. I fully endorse Mike Akins for business agent of IATSE 479.

Mark Klopper

Gaffer

IATSE 479

Endorsement by Phillip Ayala, member since February, 2019

First off, thank you 🙏🏽 to everyone who voted for and supported me during this election. I did not win, but your voices have been heard. With President Waddle along with Mike, input from the Chair of the Trustees, and myself the outline of my Time Management Impact Policy is being adopted. Congratulations to all who spoke up and spoke out to make that happen. There is still more work to be done, and I will continue to speak up for all the members whose voices don’t get heard enough.

With that, I am endorsing Kathy “KT” Tonkin for Labor Delegate of IATSE Local 479. She has been an IATSE member since 1986 and a member of our local since 1991. She brings a wealth of knowledge about our local and extensive experience in leadership positions. She is a former Interim Vice President, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Chair of the Women’s Committee, a breast cancer survivor, and the widow of Robert Vazquez our former President and the namesake of our Robert Vazquez Scholarship.

I am also supporting Mike Akins for Business Agent. While I disagree with Mike’s personal politics, I recognize his value and wisdom in the position he holds. Someone who does their job at an elite level demonstrates the care, concern, consideration, and discernment required of the role. Along with his fight for member incentives, he is the only choice for the position.

There was a time when I supported, campaigned for, and voted for the newer members on the E-Board. Since then, they have done little to gain my confidence with the exception of Sara Riney, who has been doing three jobs at once to cover for positions that don’t pull their weight, including Greg Waddle’s role as he grows into his position. With broken promises, neglect of our members, and attacks on member incentives, the only people who have fought to keep these issues on the table in E-Board meetings have been Mike and Kevin, with a tentative nod from Greg.

What truly changed my view is that, in my opinion, there has also been a misuse of our hard earned money to pay for jobs that are not being done, as well as time cards approved without any justification for the work performed. Supplementing their incomes with members’ contributions especially when so many of our members are struggling is egregious.

They have not lived up to the promises and expectations they ran on. The membership has been forgotten, and their focus has shifted toward degrading our union overall, with self-serving interests and infighting taking precedence over service to the membership. We replaced the majority of the E-Board in an effort to make change, only to see it backfire, leading to regression as our members continue to struggle more each day.

I’ve always said that if you come to Georgia and stand with my brothers or sisters, you’d better love them when you do it. Our people don’t feel that love. They feel forgotten. They are overlooked. That is a devastating reality with some of the current leadership in our organization. It's a disservice to our members.

This is why your voice is important! And the only choice is Kathy & Mike !!!

Endorsement by Robert “Max” Maxfield, member since August, 2012

Endorsement by Kevin Amick, member since April, 2009

Here we are once again — it’s election time at Local 479, and we find ourselves preparing to make decisions that will shape our Local for the next three years.

I’ve been part of this rotation for several terms now and hope that I’ve served you well since first being elected in 2018. Over the years, we’ve experienced many highs and lows, but the past five years have brought some of our most significant challenges yet. In fact, we may very well be at the most critical moment in our Local’s 39-year history, which we marked this past October 1st.

This election, I’ll be voting for experience, proven leadership, and a restoration of balance within our Executive Board — and I’m asking you to join me in doing the same.

For the Office of Business Representative, there is only one right choice. No other candidate is more qualified or more deeply familiar with our industry than the person who currently holds this office. Mike Akins not only understands the crafts side of our work but also the infrastructure that sustains it — especially Georgia’s film incentives: how they function, and who to work with to maintain their integrity. Make no mistake — those incentives are what have kept Local 479 members working for so many years.

Mike Akins is the best choice for Business Representative. His leadership and business sense have kept our Local moving in a positive direction, even during the toughest of times — from the pandemic years, through the 2023 industry strikes, and now amid the slowdown in production across our jurisdiction. Mike has consistently fought to achieve the best possible outcomes for our members. He brings unmatched experience, proven leadership, and the relentless drive needed to restore balance within our Executive Board.

For Sergeant-at-Arms, I believe Whit Norris is the right person for the job. Whit has served our Local in numerous elected and appointed positions over the years. As the founding Chair — and ongoing leader — of our Local’s Hardship Committee, he’s taken on one of the most emotionally demanding roles in our organization. His compassion and dedication to helping members make him someone I trust completely to do what’s best for our Local. Whit’s years of Executive Board experience and commitment to fairness make him exactly the kind of leader we need to restore balance.

For North Georgia Labor Council Delegate, I proudly support my sister, Kathy “KT” Tonkin. KT has served Local 479 members in countless ways — holding multiple Executive Board positions, co-founding the Women’s Committee, and organizing ten annual charity golf tournaments, among many other contributions. She brings experience, proven leadership, and a strong sense of balance and integrity to everything she does for this Local.

I’ve worked alongside each of these candidates. Together, we’ve faced difficult choices in some of the most challenging and unprecedented times our industry has ever seen — always working diligently, fairly, and in solidarity for the members of Local 479. The choices weren’t always easy, but they were always made with integrity.

It’s time to bring back balance, transparency, compassion, integrity, and common sense to how our Executive Board serves our membership. We have important work ahead — and these candidates are the most capable and prepared to get it done.

In Solidarity,
Your Union Brother,
Kevin Amick
Local 479 Certified Medic
Local 479 Director of Membership
Local 479 Director of Education and Training

Endorsement by Katie Troebs, Local ATL UPM/Production Coordinator

Below is a letter I received from a longtime friend - Local area UPM, Katie Troebs. Katie has been hiring Local 479 members to work on her productions for over 25 years, and believes in everything unions stand for. A few of Katie’s many credits include “Praise This”, “Doom Patrol”, “Cobra Kai”, “Remember the Titans”, “Stomp the Yard”, “Devious Maids'“, and “Resurrection”.

My Dear Mike,

As we are into the 4th decade of being colleagues, work partners, and most importantly, dear friends, it is shameful that I have not formally nor timely written this.

Were it not for you and your commitment to not only your members, but also to the Georgia Film Community at large we would never have gotten the tax incentives that became the rocket fuel for our industry.

Realizing that it was an effort by multiple partners to obtain the incentives, no one had the knowledge, the intelligence nor the wherewithal and determination that you put into the effort to make it happen.

You did this important work doggedly and unwaveringly until the mission was completed.

You did this for not just your members, but for the Teamsters, SAG/AFTRA, the DGA, Camera, Production and Hair and Makeup.  You cared about everyone and the ancillary businesses that depend on a healthy thriving film and television business in Georgia.

You were determined.  You were invested and you stood up for every one of us.

Your understanding and knowledge were what led to the success of our business all these years.  You cared that everyone made a good living, had the necessary skills and they continued to learn and grow.

Your contacts in the Studio System, your relationships with Producers, UPMs and your connections with the other Locals, including camera, hair, makeup and production made Georgia what it became.

People were able to buy houses, vehicles, vacations all while having important benefits, like health care and a pension helped so many people succeed at life.

For that, we all owe you a huge debt of gratitude.  I am quite aware that there is not a single soul that has the knowledge, the contacts and associations that you have, and frankly no one will ever work as hard or as long as you have nor care as much as you do.  No one.

So I write this to endorse you as the ballots have gone out and only a small fraction of the membership has returned their ballots.

I authorize you to use this letter in any way you desire.

I urge your members to read this and to think deeply about all that you have accomplished over these many years.  You have done yeoman’s duty for all of us.

Personally, you have enriched our lives and offered us a standard of living in a tricky business doing jobs that we love and are passionate about.

I am so thankful, grateful, appreciative and respectful for every single thing you have done.  You are a man of integrity, honesty, loyalty and honor, so it is my pleasure to stand with you as you continue to do the incredible work you do for us all.

It is my wish that you continue to helm Local 479 for as long as you wish.

So, with that being said, I highly suggest that the membership fills out their ballots and mark Michael Akins as Business Agent.  I have complete faith that you are the only candidate who will succeed in championing us into the bright future ahead.

I love you, I’m proud of you and am honored to call you friend.  My life is richer for having you in it.

Sincerely,

Katie

Katie Willard Troebs, DGA UPM