Jinko Gotoh Named President of Women in Animation
The veteran leader succeeds Marge Dean, who steps down after 13 years of presiding over the global advocacy organization.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Women’s Issues
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Jinko Gotoh has been appointed as the new president of Women in Animation (WIA), taking over the role from Marge Dean in Los Angeles. Dean, who led the group for over a decade, is transitioning into the role of president emerita.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as WIA seeks to maintain industry representation gains during a period of contraction. Gotoh plans to focus on creating a sustainable model and providing critical AI educational programming for the organization's members.
WIA now supports nearly 18,000 members, with industry representation for women and nonbinary individuals growing to 33% during Dean's 13-year tenure. The organization hosted 761 events in the past year and has served 3,460 mentees.
The players
Jinko Gotoh
She is the newly appointed president of WIA who served as the organization's vice president for over ten years.
Marge Dean
She is the outgoing WIA president and current head of Skybound Animation Studio who led the nonprofit for 13 years.
Julie Ann Crommett
She is the newly appointed vice president of WIA tasked with supporting the organization's executive goals.
The details
Gotoh previously served as WIA vice president for over a decade and aims to grow the organization's presence across North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. She is joined by new leadership including vice president Julie Ann Crommett, secretary Tracy Campbell, and treasurer Sharon Taylor.
Timeline
Marge Dean began her 13-year tenure as WIA president in 2013.
Global Fund Sponsors began supporting WIA work in 2019.
Marge Dean formally concluded her WIA board tenure in October 2026.
Marge Dean receives Animation Magazine's Hall of Fame award on November 16, 2026.
Culture Shift
The leadership transition follows the historical 13% growth in industry representation for women and nonbinary people recorded during Dean's tenure. This shift reflects a broader societal movement toward institutionalizing gender equity in creative technical fields.
Members can expect ongoing access to AI educational programming and mentorship opportunities through the organization's 58 global chapters. The shift in leadership aims to ensure these resources remain available to creators even as the industry faces widespread contraction.
The takeaway
The appointment of Jinko Gotoh signals a commitment to global scalability and member support during a volatile time for animation studios. Readers interested in equity advocacy can monitor the organization's upcoming expansion across international markets for new participation opportunities.
What happens next
Marge Dean is scheduled to receive the Animation Magazine Hall of Fame award on November 16, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape for gender equity in the industry, visit Women’s Issues.
More information
To explore current programming or chapter information, visit the Women in Animation official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Animation Magazine.
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