Michael Miller has been appointed to the key position of representative in charge of the West Coast office of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the unit that oversees the Hollywood unions, IATSE president Thomas Short announced in mid February.Miller replaces Joseph Aredas who announced his retirement on February 9 in Palm Habor, Fla., where the IA general executive board was meeting. Aredas had served as the rep in charge of the West Coast since his appointment in 1998.Miller, an IA vice president, has served on the union’s executive board since July 2004. He began his career in the IATSE in 1990 with Stagehands Local 27 in Cleveland. He served on the executive board of the IA Cleveland local and was elected secretary-treasurer in 2000. In 2001 Miller joined IATSE’s West Coast Office as an international representative.Short praised Aredas, who joined the IA in 1967 working as a technician in the MGM machine shop, for his service. “Joe Aredas is a man trusted, respected and admired by everyone in the entertainment industry,” said the IA president. “His influence on this union will be felt for generations to come.”
Written by Jack Egan
