Trista Schroeder has been appointed as the new COO of the Sundance Institute, effective immediately. This follows her role as general counsel since 2020.

Trista Schroeder has been appointed as the new COO of the Sundance Institute, effective immediately. This follows her role as general counsel since 2020.
In simple terms, Trista Schroeder has been named the General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Sundance Institute, effective immediately. This announcement was made on July 30, 2026, and reported by Variety. Since 2020, Schroeder has been instrumental in guiding the Institute’s legal framework during a time of significant changes, utilizing her background and skills to navigate complex negotiations and operational challenges.
What happened is that Schroeder’s expanded role comes at a crucial moment for the Sundance Institute, particularly as it prepares for the transition of the Sundance Film Festival to its new location in Boulder, Colorado, scheduled for 2027. Her leadership in this shift has already proven essential; she led negotiations that were pivotal in securing Boulder as the festival’s new venue.
Schroeder joined the Sundance Institute as General Counsel in 2020, providing critical support during a period marked by institutional restructuring. She has been at the forefront of various initiatives, notably negotiating terms that will allow the Sundance Film Festival to relocate, a move providing both operational and strategic benefits to the organization. In her new capacity, she will oversee legal affairs, governance, compliance, and risk management while also working closely with other executive leaders and the board.
Building on her experience prior to her time at Sundance, Schroeder was the founding executive director of the Hollywood Commission, which focused on addressing sexual harassment and promoting inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Her broad professional background also includes significant roles in legal and operational capacities with leading agencies, such as Wasserman, where she played a key role in corporate strategy.
The announcement has garnered supportive statements from key figures within the Sundance Institute. David Linde, the CEO, highlighted Schroeder's indispensability, noting her integral role in guiding the organization’s major decisions. "Her judgment, integrity, and command of the complex landscape we navigate have made her a trusted voice," Linde stated, emphasizing how her expanded role allows him to focus on external leadership and strategic initiatives.
Ebs Burnough, the Chair of the Sundance Institute Board, echoed Linde’s sentiments, stating that the board has come to rely heavily on Schroeder’s counsel, framing her appointment as essential for the organization’s stability and growth.
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