A Cinema United The Executive Board of Directors elected Harkins theaters President and CEO Mike Bowers as the new chairman of its executive board.
Bowers takes over from previous chairman Bob Bugbee, CEO of B&B Theatres, who completes his two-year term this week.
Bagby will remain on the executive board representing B&B theaters. Cinema United is the exhibitor trade organization formerly known as the National Association of Theater Owners. The organization was renamed Cinema and merged in March.
Bowers is a nearly 40-year veterinarian and the president and CEO of Arizona-based Harkins Theaters since 2006.
Under the direction of the executive board of directors, the executive board will include Cinemark's chief executive officer and chief marketing and content officer, Wanda Gearhart Fahring, who will serve as vice chair. Additionally, Colleen Barstow of Main Street Theaters of Nebraska will serve as treasurer and Beau-Chambliss of Georgia Theater Company will continue as secretary of the board of directors.
“I am thrilled to work with Mike and the leadership team to continue to support and advance this great industry. Mike brings years of experience building a successful track and will work tirelessly to support the entire show. The entire leadership team will bring energy and insight as we continue to move toward the next great era in cinema,” says Cinema United President & CEO Michael O'leary. “I also
Would you like to acknowledge and thank Bob for successfully leading Cinema United over the last two years. He will remain on the board and continue to be a leader for years to come.”
“Providing amazing cinematic experiences has been my life's work,” says incoming chair Mike Bowers. “I am honored to serve the passionate people who bring the magic of film to communities across America and around the world.”
Representatives from chains of all sizes from across the United States were also elected to the Board. Those elected to join Cinema United's executive board of directors are: (independent seats) Becky Dupuis of Montana's Polson Theaters, Inc., Paul Gunsky of Cinelux Theaters in California (incumbent), Lauren McChesney of Shanwire Lauren McChesney of Pennsylvania; (Average Seats) B.O. Chambliss of Georgia Theater Company (Current President), Paul Glantz of Michigan's Emagine Entertainment, Inc. (current); and (regional leaders seat) NATO's Todd Vradenburg from California/Nevada.
“Congratulations to the new members elected to the Board and those leaders who were re-elected,” O'Leary added. “We have a lot on our plate and I look forward to working with the entire council in the coming months. Additionally, special recognition and appreciation goes to outgoing board members Chris Johnson, Joe Masher and Randy Hester, all of whom played vital roles during their time on the executive board and will continue to be important voices in our community.”
The 2025 election marked the first time that all paying members of Cinema United were eligible to vote for its executive board of directors. As a result, more votes were cast in this election than at any time during the organization's 77-year history. The Executive Board of Directors is Cinema United's governing body, consisting of 20 leaders in the domestic exhibition industry. The association's four voluntary officers are elected from the members of the Executive Board and.
Cinema United's structure includes an advisory board of more than 100 representatives from the domestic and international exhibition community who think about exhibitions and make
Policy recommendations to the executive board of directors.
