Paul Basista Leaving the Graphic Artists Guild

September 10, 2000 | For Immediate Release | New York, NY

Graphic Artists Guild National President Jonathan Combs regretfully announced the resignation of Executive Director Paul Basista, CAE, effective on or about October 15, 2000. Mr. Basista will pursue new challenges and opportunities at the Arthur W. Page Society, an individual membership organization of senior level corporate communication executives. During his nearly 14 years as the Guild’s chief staff officer, he shared leadership responsibilities with 7 elected presidents, and successfully managed the Guild’s products, services and reputation to the benefit of its members and the industry.

Among his accomplishments, Mr. Basista navigated the Guild’s affiliation with the United Auto Workers International, transforming the Guild into UAW Local 3030. He organized the graphic and broadcast designers at Thirteen WNET and negotiated wage increases of up to 28% in their last collective bargaining agreement. He established and oversaw the stewardship of the Walter Hortens Distinguished Service Awards, turning them into a world-class event for recognizing service to the visual communications industry. He guided the growth and influence of the Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines into an industry standard, built the Guild’s relationship with the international reprographic rights community, and oversaw the Guild’s geographic expansion. Through his leadership, the 1989 coalition Artists for Tax Equity (AFTE) won an exemption for artists from uniform tax capitalization and he helped limit the 1999 copyright registration fee hikes. He was a tireless artist’s advocate for numerous court cases, and his lobbying efforts helped influence the course of US copyright law.

As the Guild’s chief staff officer Mr. Basista managed the national headquarters in New York City. He steered the Guild through difficult financial times and oversaw an entire reorganization in the Guild’s governance and structure. His management skills allowed the Guild to focus on its core purpose: to be a strong community that empowers and enriches its members through collective action.

"During the years I have worked with Paul, I have come to admire his passionate and profound respect for the graphic arts industry," noted Mr. Combs. "His knowledge of copyright is unequaled [among laypeople] and through his insightful writing and public speaking, Paul has represented the Guild admirably and helped countless artists. He will be missed."

The Officers, Executive Committee and Guild membership thank Mr. Basista for his many years of guidance and leadership.

The Graphic Artists Guild, UAW Local 3030, is a national union whose core purpose is to be a strong community of graphic artists that empowers and enriches its members through collective action.