CEO Carrie Lozano stepping down from documentary maker ITVS

Carrie Lozano is stepping down from her role as president and CEO of US documentary financier and coproducer ITVS for health reasons, with Lois Vossen taking the reins on an interim basis.

Carrie Lozano

ITVS said on Thursday Lozano would step away from the position to focus on treating a complex autoimmune condition.

In a message to staffers, Lozano said she had been undergoing intensive treatment for a “rare set of autoimmune diseases” since July 2025. Despite the treatment, her symptoms have progressed, she said, prompting her to make the “painstaking decision to move on from ITVS to take the time I need to focus on my health.” The search for her permanent replacement is now underway.

Lozano joined ITVS in 2023 after previously serving as director of documentary film and artist programmes at Sundance Institute.

During her tenure, ITVS produced titles including Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore and American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez. The organisation was also forced to navigate the loss of a large part of its funding after federal cuts under the Trump administration ultimately resulted in the defunding and closure of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

ITVS board chair Garry Denny said: “Carrie has led ITVS with vision, integrity and a steadfast commitment to independent storytelling during one of the most consequential periods in public media.

“We are deeply grateful for her dedication and service to ITVS and wish her all the best as she focuses on her health. ITVS enters this next chapter from a position of strength, with an exceptional team, enduring partnerships and a deep commitment to independent filmmakers.”

Vossen assumes the interim president and CEO role after spending more than 30 years with ITVS, primarily as the executive producer for its Independent Lens doc strand.

Vossen said: “At a pivotal moment for public media, I’m honoured to serve as interim president and CEO alongside an extraordinary team whose talent, creativity and unwavering commitment to our mission inspire me every day.

“The public is counting on us, and ITVS will remain committed to our mission to support independent creators, strengthen partnerships across media and help people understand themselves, each other and the world around them.”