Local News in Brief : Fund Director Will Resign at Motion Picture Country House

John Pavlik on Tuesday announced his resignation as executive director of the Motion Picture and Television Fund, a 66-year-old private charity that runs the Motion Picture and Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills.

Pavlik, executive director since 1982, made his announcement at a meeting of the fund’s 53-member board of directors. He did not give a reason or reveal his plans.

“I guess he just felt it was time,” said board member Herb Steinberg. “It was accepted with regret by the board.”

Pavlik, a Thousand Oaks resident, could not be reached for comment. His resignation takes effect March 31, but he will act as a consultant on an interim basis to ensure a smooth transition in the fund’s administration.

Under Pavlik’s tenure, the fund launched the most ambitious renovation and expansion plan in its history. It also experienced great controversy when its bookkeeping was questioned by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.

But last week federal health official said a 15-month audit cleared the fund of allegations that it defrauded the Medicare program by submitting misleading cost reports.

Before his appointment as executive director, Pavlik was administrator of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for 3 years and a lobbyist and public relations man for the Assn. of Motion Picture and Television Producers for 11 years.