"The whole idea of being a member of the Guild is that an individual doesn’t have to take the brunt of any conflict." Martha Coolidge made sure that the DGA was there for its members by serving for nearly 20 years on various committees and ultimately, from 2002-03, as the DGA’s first woman president. “The directors help the group, the group helps the directors - it’s that simple.” Encouraged by former DGA President Robert Wise to become active in the Guild, Coolidge did so a year after joining in 1983. She served as an alternate on the Western Directors Council and the National Board before being elected to various seats on the board, culminating with first vice president in 1997. Coolidge also chaired the DGA’s Creative Rights Committee and served as a co-chair on the Presidents Committee. “It was the whole community aspect that appealed to me. I felt I had a lot to learn when it came to being a director in Hollywood, and being able to associate with other directors on a personal and professional basis was an incredible opportunity.” For her dedication to the Guild, she received the Robert B. Aldrich Achievement Award.