Meet Our Staff!
Bringing writers, filmmakers, and the community together.
Want to work with us? Volunteer, Intern, or check out our job opportunities!
Click on the staff image to view their bio!
Barbara Morgan - Executive Director
Most recently, Morgan produced the documentary feature, Portrait of Wally(2012), and the narrative feature Spring Eddy(2012).
She developed and produces the TV/Radio/Podcast series On Story, currently airing on PBS and PRI stations across the country.
In 2010, Morgan produced a reading of Bud Shrake’s play “A Friend of Carlos Monson” with director Jeff Nichols. In 2013 Morgan co-edited “On Story: Screenwriters and Their Craft”, which was published by UT Press.
Morgan serves on the Board of Directors for a number of organizations, including International Film Festival Summit and The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University.
Rob Gonzalez - Film Competition Director
In his free time Rob enjoys being outside in the hills and on the water, drawing, watching action movies, and the art of fermentation and brewing.
Casey Baron - Senior Film Program Director
Casey has been a part of the Austin Film Festival family for three years running; starting off as an intern before climbing the ladder to become the festival’s Shorts Programmer for its 25th anniversary. He’s excited to jump into his new role as the Senior Film Program Director, and continuing the organizational and personal mission of championing storytellers. When he’s not racing to find interesting stories, Casey spends his spare time watching basketball and soccer, listening to music, and playing with his dog Niobe.
Alexandra Mitchell - Shorts Programmer
When Alex is not watching films and reading up on the industry, she is eating brunch and playing board games.
Steven Debose - Director of Script Competitions
Gabbi Lindgren - Script Competitions Manager
Colin Hyer - Conference Director
Outside of the office, Colin enjoys reading Stephen King novels and playing with his dog Mayo.
Samantha Johnson - Conference Coordinator
Sonia McCarter - On Story, Executive Producer
Sonia returned to AFF in 2012 to manage several different projects including the overall On Story® brand. Sonia currently serves as a producer for Austin Film Festival’s PBS-affiliated television show, On Story as well as associate producer of the On Story radio show component currently airing through Public Radio International. Sonia also oversees all of the AFF archives and is currently working to transfer and store over 20 years of material. Originally from Madrid, Spain, Sonia coincidentally moved to Austin the same year of AFF’s inception-something she believes was meant to be. Besides multi-tasking on a daily basis, Sonia enjoys live music, photography, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Samantha Levine - Marketing Director
In her spare time, Samantha enjoys yoga, going to see live music and theatre, performing and sleeping.
Joe Choe - Community Outreach Coordinator
Olivia Riordan - Young Filmmakers Program Director
Outside the office, you can find Olivia making/drinking/dreaming about coffee and/or binging procedurals.
Sage Kosiorek - Project Manager
Lyndsie Beesley - Development Events Coordinator
Patrick McFarland - Registration Director
After work, you can find Patrick attending concerts, learning bass, finding new places in Austin to hike, and watching as many movies as possible.
Corbin Heinchon - Production Manager
In his free time, Corbin likes to watch movies, go hiking, play trivia, and play with his dog, Scooby.
Marissa Padden - Theater Operations Manager
Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska she attended Nebraska Wesleyan University where she studied Communication. She enjoys all aspects of filmmaking, especially acting and directing. In her free time she likes to act, write, and eat all the food.
Megan Bernovich - Film Marketing Coordinator
Michael DeWhatley - Film Marketing Coordinator
Roy Morgan - Canine Relations
He’s a big fan of head pats, belly scratches, and great filmic storytelling. Follow us on social media — especially instagram — to get more updates from this cool canine.
Roy Morgan
Director of Canine Relations
You?
Join us! There are numerous Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
