The Region - News from May 1, 1985

The board of directors of the Writers Guild of America has voted 10 to 9 to not renew the contract of Naomi Gurian, its executive director. Gurian, who has held her post since 1982, had been the subject of considerable criticism by some members for her handling of the union’s recent strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Many writers believe that the dispute ended unsuccessfully. Guild President Ernest Lehman said in a written statement, “The growing dissension in our membership dictated the need for a change in professional leadership to heal our wounds and bring us together.” Several board members indicated, however, that they will continue to fight Gurian’s ouster.