NATO Tech Advisor Jerry Pierce Resigns Amid Staff Shake-Up (Exclusive)

The National Association of Theatre Owners has lost another team member following Friday’s exit of exec vp and general counsel Jackie Brenneman, who sources say was ousted. Now, The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Jerry Pierce, who has served as NATO’s technical advisor since 2012, resigned in protest on Monday. The continuing shake-up occurs just a few short months after the departure of NATO chief John Fithian, who left his role in late April after more than three decades with the association. His successor, Michael O’Leary, took the reins as the head of NATO on May 1. Then in late June, NATO vice president and chief communications officer Patrick Corcoran left his role after a 24-year run. THR obtained a copy of Pierce’s resignation letter, in which he states: “The selection and subsequent leadership of NATO by Michael O’Leary is my primary motivation to resign. … I have been very disappointed in his lack of interest and disrespect for the knowledge and experience of his staff.” He adds, “I am also concerned that NATO seems to be moving away from Hollywood. I hope this is not being contemplated since all the efforts for technology and many critical topics for exhibition
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