LD

Lou Digioia

Chief Operating Officer

Current Role


Chief Operating Officer (COO) at National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO)


  • Location: Washington, DC-Baltimore Area

  • Responsibilities:

  • Oversees internal operations, including finance, human resources, information technology, and program implementation.


Career Highlights


National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO)


  • Joined NATO in 2022

  • Initially served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

  • Promoted to COO in February 2024

  • Promoted amid an industry challenging phase due to the pandemic and subsequent recoveries.


Previous Experience


  • Chief Operating Officer, Colorectal Cancer Alliance

  • Executive Director, MATHCOUNTS Foundation

  • Key achievement: Increased participation and diversity in the National Math Club, engaging over one million middle school students.

  • Other Notable Roles:

  • CEO roles in other nonprofit organizations such as Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).


Education and Credentials


  • MBA, 2007, George Mason University

  • BA in American Government, Georgetown University

  • Certificate in Performance Measurement of Nonprofit Organizations, Harvard Business School

  • Certified Association Executive (CAE), 2008

  • FASAE (Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives), inducted in 2019


Impact on NATO


  • Advocacy for Theaters:

  • Represents large chains and small family-owned theaters across the US and 101 countries globally.

  • Strategic Initiatives:

  • Government advocacy for a beneficial environment for theater owners.

  • Promotion and advocacy for theatrical content and moviegoing.

  • Community building efforts to strengthen industry collaboration.


Personal Insights and Values


  • Collaborative Leadership:

  • Emphasizes the importance of teamwork and diverse viewpoints in achieving organizational goals.

  • Educational Impact:

  • Attributes career success to the collaborative and practical learning environment at George Mason University.

  • Nonprofit Leadership:

  • Recognized for innovative contributions in nonprofit sectors, especially in educational and health-related organizations.


Quoted Statements


  • "Movie theaters are a place for everyone... it's a cultural cornerstone of communities."

  • "Working at NATO is a dream job for me, and I’m thrilled to be part of building exhibition’s future."


Conclusion


Lou DiGioia is a seasoned executive with a robust background in nonprofit management and a strong track record of innovative leadership. His current role as Chief Operating Officer at the National Association of Theatre Owners underscores his expertise in guiding organizations through complex operational landscapes while advocating for industry-wide collaboration and growth.