David LeShay has announced he is leaving his post as director of marketing and public relations with the Theatre Development Fund (TDF), an organization dedicated to audience development and accessibility. LeShay will depart the nonprofit in June, following a 31-year tenure.
“There have been so many highlights during my life at TDF,” LeShay said in a statement exclusive to Broadway News. “[One] of the most exciting things I’ve had the privilege to be a part of is the international design competition to build a new TKTS booth in Times Square and its subsequent construction under the red steps which created an iconic New York City landmark. The other is the founding of our autism-friendly-performances program, which continues to welcome thousands of families with children and adults on the spectrum to several Broadway shows each year where they can enjoy shows in a safe, supportive environment. I still am moved to tears every time I attend one of those performances.”
LeShay’s announcement arrives during the first year of Deeksha Gaur’s tenure as executive director. Gaur succeeded TDF’s longtime leader Victoria Bailey, who retired in 2023.
“I’ve had the honor of working for four terrific executive directors: Tom Leahy, Jack Goldstein, Tory Bailey and Deeksha Gaur,” LeShay shared in a Facebook post. “Four completely different personalities and approaches, but each shared the same commitment to TDF as a service organization — doing what it could to make theater more accessible.”
Prior to joining TDF, LeShay worked as a senior publicist with Jeffrey Richards Associates.
