Women in Animation (WIA), a non-profit professional organization that brings together the global community of animation professionals, will head into its 20th year under the leadership of Mattel’s Margaret Dean (pictured) and Technicolor’s Kristy Scanlan.

As WIA’s new co-presidents, Dean, who is currently director of production for Mattel’s newly formed Playground Productions, and Scanlan, Technicolor’s VP of business development, Animation & Games, will lead the restructured WIA.

Future plans include a variety of online and offline events, small collegial gatherings and large networking events. Among the priorities of the organization will be educating members about technological advances and career growth.

Additionally, WIA has formed a new executive committee, board of directors and advisory committee. The new executive committee includes Barbara Cimity (line producer, Robot Chicken) as treasurer, and Dawn Rivera-Ernster (director of Talent Development and Recruitment at Walt Disney Animation Studios) as secretary.

Retiring Co-Presidents Rita Street and Jan Nagel will continue to support WIA as members of the new advisory committee.