SMPTE Executive Director, David Grindle, took the organization's helm in 2022. Since that time, Grindle has been focusing on broadening SMPTE’s influence in the technology world and strengthening organization on all fronts. While working at USITT, Grindle created the Rigging Safety Initiative, providing safety inspections and rig training to more than 150 high schools in 36 states. He also advocated for new educational opportunities, strengthening the revenue stream, and supporting the early career professional groups. He earned USITT an Honorable Mention in the 2014 Prudential Leadership Awards from BoardSource and was also named 2014 Show Manager of the Year by Trade Show News Network and the Expo Group for his leadership of USITT’s Stage Expo. In 2015 he was presented with the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Berry College Alumni Association. He holds the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives and was accepted into the Fulbright Specialists Program in the US Department of State.