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  • Media Factory Board Election

Serving on the Media Factory board is a great way to support our community of mediamakers, our production services for municipalities, our local distribution of community-focused media, and our work with schools and organizations. Learn more about what it means to serve on our board, and consider signing up!

 

What does the Media Factory board do?

The board provides oversight and accountability for Media Factory, including developing policies for the organization, ensuring responsible use of cable access funds, strategizing about outreach and development efforts, and infusing community accountability and transparency into all that we do. The 11 member board has 2 member-elected positions and 9 appointed positions.

Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month with some additional committee work included in between meetings

 

The Media Factory Board of Directors is holding its annual election for open seats. As a member of the Media Factory we are asking that you vote online for the board candidates by midnight on Friday, May 16, 2025. The winners will be announced at our annual meeting.

There are four candidates vying for the one open board position:

  • Deb Ellis
  • Olivia Hartwig
  • Jim Heltz
  • Rae Kantrowitz

See below for candidate bios and voting instructions. Please have your unique 6-digit ballot ID ready.

We encourage you to let your voice be heard by taking the time to vote. We greatly value your participation as it ensures that our organization represents our diverse community. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Voting Instructions

  • Please have your unique ballot ID ready. This was mailed to you and is required to complete the ballot.
  • Vote for no more than one candidate.
  • Deadline to vote is by midnight on Friday, May 16
     

If you would prefer to vote by paper ballot, please contact us at 802-651-9692 by May 16.

 

And SAVE THE DATE for our annual meeting, where we’ll announce the election results: Monday, May 19th at 6 PM at the Media Factory.

VOTE

Board Candidates

  • Deb Ellis

    Teacher & Documentary Filmmaker

    Outside of my time on the board I’m a documentary filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast. I teach in the Film & Television Studies Program and co-direct the Reporting and Documentary Storytelling minor at UVM. I love bringing my students to the Media Factory. I share the story of the Media Factory with friends and colleagues and they want to know more. How many people out there want to know more? One of my goals is to continue to spread word of the opportunities available to more people. From my point of view the Media Factory is one of the greatest resources our community has to be creative, to express ideas, and to promote civic discourse. I look forward to continuing to serve on the board. Thanks!

  • Olivia Hartwig

    Owner, Hartwig Handmade Ceramics and Dice

    Olivia is a local artist and alchemist who owns Hartwig Handmade Ceramics and Dice. As a dedicated maker, they champion inclusivity within the creative sector, striving to foster spaces that invite people of all identities to explore their creativity. Olivia's extensive experience across both the creative and tech industries fosters an intersection that aligns naturally with the mission of the Media Factory.

  • Jim Heltz

    Filmmaker & Business Owner

    Jim Heltz is an award winning filmmaker living in Williston, Vermont. For over 40 years as the owner of Green Mountain Video, Jim has created media communications for businesses, nonprofits, hospitals, educational institutions, broadcast, and cable networks, as well as the state and federal government. In addition, he has produced and directed both short form and feature documentaries including NEW NEIGHBORS the Beavers of Allen Brook (2025), Wake
    Robin: The First Thirty (2023), Dawn of a New Day: The Creation of Fletcher Allen Health Care (2016), Williston Revisited: A Community Portrait (2013), I Am In Here (2013), Approaching the Sliding Glass Door (2009), and Bill's Bill and Other Stories of How We Got Here: Our History of Special Education in Vermont (2006). Several of Jim’s documentaries have appeared on PBS stations, the Media Factory and film festivals across the country.

  • Rae Kantrowitz

    Filmmaker

    Rae Kantrowitz is an award-winning documentarian who does all her own production, from recording to editing. She has received fellowships from Sundance and the BBC World Service, produced for Discovery+, and her work has aired internationally for over 150 million people. She holds a degree in audio production from Berklee College of Music and spent five years assisting on shows like Bob’s Burgers and Big Mouth.