Renard Jenkins Reflects on His Tenure as SMPTE President

Dear SMPTE Members, Volunteers, and Industry Colleagues, 

As I bring my two-year tenure as President of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) to a close, I find myself filled with immense gratitude, pride, and optimism for our Society’s future. It has been an honor to lead this extraordinary organization, and I am deeply inspired by what we have accomplished together. 

Over the past two years, we have faced profound challenges as an industry and as a Society. The residual effects of the pandemic, industry-wide strikes, spending cuts, and the transition to a new Executive Director tested our resilience. Yet, through it all, SMPTE stood strong, guided by a shared commitment to innovation, education, and the advancement of our global community. 

One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the growth in student participation across the Society. Welcoming Clark Atlanta University as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) student chapter and Barnard College as the first all-women student chapter represents a powerful step forward in diversifying our industry and ensuring that all voices have a seat at the table. These new chapters are not just symbolic—they are a testament to the future of a more inclusive and vibrant SMPTE. 

Another one of the most rewarding aspects of my tenure as president has been the opportunity to help refocus SMPTE on building meaningful partnerships with organizations leading the charge in cutting edge, production technologies, including animation, gaming, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), virtual production, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). These emerging fields represent the future of storytelling, and I am incredibly proud of the strides we have made in fostering collaboration across these disciplines. By establishing and nurturing these global partnerships, SMPTE has expanded its reach, relevance, and ability to influence the technology shaping our industry. As I transition into the role of Past-President, I remain deeply committed to supporting and growing these relationships. They are essential not only to our mission, but also to ensuring that SMPTE continues to lead as a hub of innovation, knowledge-sharing and standards development for the rapidly evolving world of media and entertainment. 

We have also doubled down on our global mission, forging stronger connections with our international sections. By amplifying outreach efforts across continents, we have furthered SMPTE’s vision of a truly global Society—one that celebrates diverse perspectives and shares knowledge and innovation worldwide. 

Our strategic initiatives in education, standards development, and career advancement have deepened our impact on the industry. Whether it was fostering groundbreaking standards to address the challenges of tomorrow or empowering professionals to navigate an evolving media landscape, SMPTE has continued to serve as a beacon of excellence and leadership. I am especially heartened by the incredible work of our volunteers and staff, whose passion and dedication have been the cornerstone of these achievements. 

Through it all, I have strived to remain positive, professional, and optimistic, even during difficult moments. It has been my goal to inspire and uplift, knowing that the strength of this Society lies in the collective energy and ingenuity of its members. Together, we have not only weathered challenges but emerged stronger, more innovative, and more united in purpose. 

As I pass the torch to the incoming President Richard Welsh and welcome our new Executive Director Sally-Ann D’Amato, I am filled with excitement and confidence in their ability to lead SMPTE into its next chapter. I have worked alongside both of them for over a decade and witnessed their dedication to this Society. I know that they will build on the foundation we have laid, continuing to foster innovation, inclusivity, and global collaboration. I look forward to supporting them and celebrating their successes as they guide the Society into a bright future. 

To all of you—our members, volunteers, staff, and industry partners—thank you. Your unwavering dedication and belief in the power of this Society have made all the difference. It has been a privilege to work alongside you, and I am humbled by the countless ways you have inspired me. 

As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of SMPTE’s enduring mission: to bring people together to advance the art, science, and craft of our industry. That mission is more important than ever, and I am confident that, together, we will continue to push boundaries, spark innovation, and shape the future of media and entertainment. 

With gratitude, pride, and boundless optimism, 

Be Well, 

Renard T. Jenkins 

President, SMPTE 2023 & 2024