Rachael Brister Steps Down As Executive Director of Three Dollar Bill Cinema; Moves To GSBA

May 18, 2012• bySeattle Gay Scene

Jason Plourde and Rachael Brister of Three Dollar Bill Cinema. Photo: Alix Mendonca

Three Dollar Bill Cinema has just released a press release announcing the resignation of Executive Director Rachael Brister:

Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s Board of Directors is sad to announce that our long-time Executive Director, Rachael Brister, is leaving us to pursue a grand opportunity with the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) as Deputy Director. Rachael will remain in her current position through June 30, 2012. On July 1, 2012 Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s Programming Director, Jason Plourde will become the organization’s Interim Executive Director. A nationwide search will be conducted for a new permanent Executive Director.

While the board of directors laments Rachael’s departure after so many years of leadership and development, she has created a strong legacy in the members, volunteers, board and staff of Three Dollar Bill Cinema. We are excited for this great new opportunity for her and that she will still be working hard for our community. We look forward to many years of great programming, fun events and continuing to strengthen, connect, and reflect diverse communities through queer film and media.

Carrie Carson, Board of Directors President

“Deciding 8 years ago to move across the country to become the Executive Director of Three Dollar Bill Cinema is the best decision that I have ever made. I love Seattle and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful parts of Seattle’s LGBT and film communities. I am grateful to call myself a member of those communities. I have felt welcome since my first day on the job and I can’t thank the Three Dollar Bill Cinema Board and staff enough for welcoming me then with such open arms.

It is almost impossible for me to sum up my feelings around leaving Three Dollar Bill Cinema. This decision was not at all an easy one to make. Three Dollar Bill Cinema has shaped my life in Seattle and my position has taught me so much about what it means to truly work for a community and a cause. I have worked with an amazing, dedicated, and supportive staff and Board of Directors. I have been humbled by the size and skill of Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s volunteer corps. And I have been in awe of Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s growing and enthusiastic audiences year after year. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to guide and grow Three Dollar Bill Cinema to where it is today. I look forward to this organizations very bright future.

I am thrilled to be joining the staff of another organization that combines a community and a cause, the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA). The intersection of business and philanthropy is something that has always been important to me. My new position of Deputy Director will allow me the opportunity to combine business development and community leadership to expand economic opportunities for the LGBT community and those who support equality for all.

I’d like to thank the staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers of Three Dollar Bill Cinema, as well as the Greater Seattle community for the opportunity to work with an organization that I love dearly for the past 8 years. I feel so fortunate to have been given this opportunity.

My passion for Three Dollar Bill Cinema, its mission and programs will never waiver. Thank you all for the support you have given to this organization and to me over the past 8 years. I look forward to seeing all of you in the audience at the next Three Dollar Bill Cinema screening.”