Theatre Communications Group Ends Shared Leadership Model
The national theatre organization appoints an interim leader following the departure of its three co-executive directors.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
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Theatre Communications Group has ended the contracts of its three co-executive directors, marking an end to the shared leadership model established in 2024. The organization has appointed Shaunda Miles McDill as the new Interim Executive Director to guide the group through its next phase.
Why it matters
The leadership change comes as the 65-year-old organization seeks to address significant financial challenges and clarify its operational priorities. The board is currently working with staff and stakeholders to develop a more sustainable long-term business plan.
The organization has operated for 65 years and recently transitioned away from the three-person shared leadership team that was fully in place by December 2024.
The players
Theatre Communications Group
This is a national service organization for the professional non-profit theatre field in the United States.
Shaunda Miles McDill
She is the newly appointed Interim Executive Director tasked with leading the organization through its current transition.
Emilya Cachapero
She was one of the three co-executive directors whose contract concluded in October 2026.
LaTeshia Ellerson
She served as one of the co-executive directors prior to the change in leadership structure.
Alisha Tonsic
She was a member of the three-person shared leadership team that stepped down in October 2026.
The details
The board is actively evaluating its current operating model to ensure future stability. During this transition, management will maintain communication with members, funders, and various stakeholders regarding ongoing shifts.
Timeline
July 2024: The organization moved toward a shared leadership structure.
December 2024: A three-person shared leadership team was fully established.
October 16, 2026: The contracts of the three co-executive directors concluded.
November 1, 2026: Shaunda Miles McDill assumes the position of Interim Executive Director.
June 2027: The term for the interim leadership role is scheduled to conclude.
Market Landscape
The organization's decision to abandon the three-person shared leadership structure marks a departure from the collaborative model trend documented by the Nonprofit Quarterly. This shift reflects a broader correction as non-profits reassess management efficiency in challenging economic climates.
Members and theatre stakeholders should expect active outreach regarding operational changes as the organization refines its priorities. These leadership adjustments aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of the group's services and funding support.
The takeaway
Large organizations often experiment with non-traditional leadership structures to adapt to complex internal needs. Evaluating the success of these models requires balancing collaborative decision-making with the practical demands of fiscal and operational stability.
What happens next
Shaunda Miles McDill will serve as Interim Executive Director through June 2027, at which point the board will conclude the current interim period.
Further reading
For more on industry staffing and leadership shifts, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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