In a pivotal moment in the company's history of 70 years, Mari led the transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2019, empowering the dedicated team that contributed to the company's success. The subsequent year marked another historic milestone as Mari Acevedo assumed the position of CEO, becoming the first female leader in the company's impressive 66th-year history. In 2023, she spearheaded Birns and Sawyer's initiative to lead a filmmaker grant, specifically aimed at supporting aspiring filmmakers from underserved communities.

Her visionary leadership culminated in the successful launch of the inaugural FilAm Creative Film Festival, drawing thousands of attendees—an exceptional achievement for a first-year festival in the competitive Los Angeles landscape. Notably, Mari Acevedo stands as one of only two women CEOs owned business out of 87 rental houses in Southern California and she is the sole female AAPI leader among them. Under Mari's leadership, Birns & Sawyer embraced a new chapter, venturing into film production with its first feature film projects in 2024. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mari is a fierce advocate for gender balance in the film and entertainment industries. Her dedication to equality, manifested through outreach programs, networking initiatives, and advocacy efforts, is an inspiration to all.

As Mari continues to shape the narrative of Birns & Sawyer and the industry at large, her unwavering commitment to innovation, diversity, and empowerment stands as a testament to her role as a transformative force in the world of filmmaking.

Mari Acevedo CEO Birns & Sawyer - Los Angeles, California | (323) 466-8211

Birns & Sawyer - Vancouver, Canada | (604) 900-8040

Birns & Sawyer - Asia Pacific | 63 917 634 4974

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Fax Line - 818-334-8593 After Hours Phone (323) 819-1042

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