Animation Organizations That Are Cool:

ASIFA-East
New York City chapter of international animators association

Animators, Ink.
A network between pros and amateurs that especially helps out students.

Cool Animators I Know:

Max Porter - Besides mutant artistic ability, also has mutant ability to get really scared.

Andy Kennedy - Can animate with his mind.

Erin Kilkenny - Half rockstar, half animator--all woman.

Chris Siemasko - The funnest animator ever.

Fran Krause - Check out his cool animated pilot "Utica Cartoon."

Darcy Voorhees - A talented animator.

Jose Maldonado - Pretty much the voice of Animators, Ink.

Mike T. Mullen - Not to be confused with other Mike Mullens, this Mike Mullen is a friend and fellow animator from UArts. Really great at caricatures too.

Cynthea Mazur - A cool animator

Andrea Breitman - a cool animator and artist with a fun site

Arthur Metcalf - Arthur Metcalf loves you. His kickass website will prove it.