IDA Executive Director Simon Kilmurry to Step Down Next Year

"I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past few years," Kilmurry said

IDA Executive Director Simon Kilmurry (right) with "Last Men in Aleppo" director Feras Fayyad. Photo by Matt Carey

The IDA's Simon Kilmurry announced his intention today to leave his post as executive director of the documentary organization in mid-2021. 

Kilmurry, former executive producer of the PBS series POV, joined the IDA in 2015. Under his leadership, the IDA expanded its grant-making capacity, notably with the establishment of the Enterprise Documentary Fund, which "provides production funds to feature-length documentary films taking on in-depth explorations of original, contemporary stories and integrating journalistic practice into the filmmaking process."

In a press release, the IDA noted other accomplishments under Kilmurry's tenure, among them "advocacy work... expanded in support of filmmakers’ rights internationally, including serving as the plaintiff in an ongoing lawsuit against the Trump administration’s visa requirements in partnership with Doc Society, the Knight First Amendment Institute and the Brennan Center for Justice."

Time to share some personal news. I'm very excited about the next chapter for @IDAorg. It's been an honor to be at the helm and I'm very proud of all we've accomplished - the future is bright. And, I'm looking forward to new challenges in 2021 - https://t.co/AsToD3aqsy

— Simon Kilmurry (@SKilmurry) November 16, 2020

​"It's been an honor to be at the helm and I'm very proud of all we've accomplished - the future is bright," Kilmurry wrote in a tweet. He did not announce his future plans once he steps down, but in his tweet he noted, "I'm looking forward to new challenges in 2021."

Kilmurry added in a statement, “IDA’s reach and impact has grown exponentially thanks to the incredible contributions of my colleagues and the board of directors. I’m happy to leave IDA as a more vital and stronger organization on every measure and know it will continue to have an immense impact on our field.”

The IDA board of directors will conduct a search for Kilmurry's replacement, a process to be led by James Costa and Lauren Lexton, co-vice presidents of the board.

“The IDA will continue to be a leader in the field because of the legacy that Simon Kilmurry leaves behind for us to carry forward," IDA Board President Brenda Robinson said in a statement. "Simon has been transformative for this organization and has positioned the IDA to thrive for many more years to come.”

Simon Kilmurry at an IDA screening in November 2018. Photo by Matt Carey