iDMAa names Olin new Executive Director

Los Angeles– December 12, 2011 – The International Digital Media & Arts Association (iDMAa) today announced that Joseph Olin has been appointed Executive Director to give the association new strategic direction and focus as it positions itself as a champion for educators and creators in the growing digital media arts arena. Olin previously led the Academy of Interactive Arts as president and during his tenure grew the membership from 3,000 to 20,000.

“The iDMAa is an important organization for the academic community that shapes the digital media art community by providing a forum for educators to exchange ideas and recognize their contributions and achievements which enrich anyone using a computer or connected handheld device today,” commented Olin. “By taking on my new role with the organization, our goal is to increase the awareness of the organization amongst stakeholders and membership.”

Joseph Olin, Executive Director, International Digital Media and Arts Association

“iDMAa is about to mark its 10^th anniversary in 2012 and Joseph Olin has just the right set of talents and experience to lead the association into its second decade,”  said Ray Steele, who is becoming the Senior Executive Director Emeritus of the association he founded in 2002.  “It is a perfect opportunity for us to have Joseph involved in iDMAa’s future direction and we are convinced that he can help us take a major step forward for our members and for the broad field of digital media and arts.”

Joseph Olin brings more than 25 years of experience in video games and consumer products to the iDMAa. He currently also serves as COO for Credible Research Corporation driving the development of a new genre of online social games. Olin was President of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Science where, he was the voice of the Academy and directed the annual D.I.C.E. (Design, Innovate, Communicate, Entertain) Summit, the Interactive Achievements Awards^® and the Into the Pixel™ video game art exhibit. In January 2011, Olin joined the faculty of the University of Southern California as an adjunct professor in the School of Cinematic Art teaching game design. He continues to consult with a number of technology and entertainment companies on strategy and product development.

As a precursor to the Academy, Olin spearheaded the introduction of gaming’s most famous heroine, Lara Croft, with the launch of the blockbuster Tomb Raider franchise as vice president of marketing and business development for EIDOS Interactive.

Previously he also served as senior partner and group account director at Ogilvy & Mather responsible for the Barbie, Mattel Electronics, Disney toys and plush products campaigns.  Earlier in his career, Olin held senior level positions in game publishing, advertising, sales, and marketing. At Elliot Portwood Studios, Olin co-created Leonardo’s Multimedia Toolbox, an educational product, developed with Gene Portwood and Lauren Elliott (creators of Carmen Sandiego). His background also includes tenure at NEC’s System Labs of Japan, Della Femina McNamee, and Microprose/Hasbro Interactive.

Olin sits on the advisory boards of FMX, AnimFX NZ, International Federation of Multimedia Associations (FIAM), China Joy Game Summit, and the UCLA/CRESST Research Center.