Three Dollar Bill Announces New Executive Director: Ben McCarthy

Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s new Executive Director is Ben McCarthy. Photo: Three Dollar Bill

Three Dollar Bill Cinema, Seattle’s LGBTQ film event producing non-profit has found their new Executive Director after the resignation of 20 year TDBC veteran, Jason Plourde at the first of the year. It’s BEN MCCARTHY, who will assume his post on May 15th after wrapping up duties at his prior gig with the Seattle International Film Festival. 

Ben will assume duties immediately after the end of Three Dollar Bill Cinema’s next major event, the 13th annual Translations Film Festival, one of the first and the biggest film celebrations dedicated to films and events by and for the transgender community and allies. That festival begins this Thursday, May 3rd and runs through Sunday, May 13, 2018.

Best wishes to Ben McCarthy and the future of Three Dollar Bill Cinema!

More skinny:

Three Dollar Bill Cinema (TDBC) is excited to announce that Ben McCarthy has been selected as their new Executive Director.  Ben will officially begin his role as Executive Director on May 15th, and TDBC looks forward to helping him transition into his leadership duties in the coming weeks.

McCarthy’s employment comes after an extensive search and reflects the TDBC’s commitment to bring a skilled leader who is impassioned in the organization’s mission.  “Going through that extensive search made it all the more rewarding when we were able to identify the best candidate was in fact right here in our own Seattle community,” says Joey Burgess, Chairman of the TDBC board.  “The board is confident in Ben’s ability to lead us into the next chapter of this tremendous organization. We look forward to many successes and great progress for the festivals and organization under his leadership.”

In His Own Words

“I’ve been a patron of Three Dollar Bill Cinema since moving to Seattle almost 7 years ago and supporter of what they do to bring relevent stories to Seattle’s LGBTQ community,” stated McCarthy. “I’m beyond humbled to now join the team to continue to build upon the foundation set forth by past and present staff, board, and volunteers.”

McCarthy joins TBDC after serving as Director of Philanthropy at the Seattle International Film Festival since 2015. At SIFF, McCarthy led the day-to-day operations of the organization’s individual giving, membership, and special events. During his tenure, the organization’s membership base grew from 6,000 to over 7,000 with growth in its annual fund and auction.

Prior to SIFF, McCarthy was Leadership Development Manager at Seattle Works, an organization focused on nonprofit board training and connecting young professionals to volunteer opportunities in the community. McCarthy also managed the event production and operations for the Southeastern Theatre Conference and the North Carolina Conference for several years and holds a Master of Fine Arts in Art Leadership from Seattle University.  His husband, Ryan, and their two dogs, Parker & Mateo, reside in NE Queen Anne.

About Three Dollar Bill Cinema

Three Dollar Bill Cinema strengthens, connects, and reflects diverse communities through queer film and media.  This is achieved through access to films by, for, and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and their families, and a forum for LGBTQ filmmakers to share and discuss their work with audiences. We curate themed screenings throughout the year and produce programs in partnership with other arts, cultural, and service delivery organizations in the Greater Seattle area.

To learn more visit https://threedollarbillcinema.org/