Editor-in-chief

Stride expands its team, bringing in Bridget Smith and Austin Aronson as managers.

Smith joins Stride from Impression Entertainment, where she has worked as a talent manager for the past 13.5 years. Smith brings talent including Robbie Magasiva (Rescue HI-Surf), Trace Lysette (Monica), Katie Stevens (The Bold Type), Josh Close (Killers of the Flower Moon), McKaley Miller (Ma), Ben Geurens (Rebel Moon), Rong Fu (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) and Monique Coleman (High School Musical), with more expected to join. Prior to Impression, Smith spent several years as an agent trainee at CAA and ICM, as well as at Buchwald. She began her career working for independent producer Matt Rhodes.

“I am thrilled to be working with Mike [Stride co-founder Mike Nilon] again after working with him earlier in my career. Mike has built many long-lasting relationships within the company and has helped clients achieve incredible success. I have known Matt [Stride co-founder Matt Shelton] professionally for many years. Matt has a keen eye for discovering talent and nurturing them into meaningful careers across all areas of entertainment. Under their leadership, the company has a commitment to excellence and I am thrilled to be part of their team of incredible executives.”