Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has announced Nataki Garrett as chair of the board.
Garrett, who has served as a board member of the national organization since 2018, will succeed Howard Stewart, who will exit the position in October.
“Harold Steward provided invaluable leadership and guidance as TCG continued to navigate the impacts of the pandemic,” said TCG co-executive directors Emilya Cachapero and LaTeshia Ellerson in a joint statement. “It was under their leadership that we were able to forge a pathway forward, envisioning a way to restructure the organization that meets the moment we are in and positions us for stability and long-term success. We are deeply grateful to Howard for their support during this pivotal time. We are also deeply honored that Nataki Garrett, a longtime supporter of TCG and a national artistic leader, has agreed to serve as our new chair. We look forward to working alongside her to find new and innovative ways to further TCG’s mission.”
Garrett is the co-artistic director of One Nation/One Project, a nationwide initiative dedicated to the symbiosis of arts, wellness and community. Additionally, Garret is leading the Arts for Everybody initiative. She is the CEO and executive director of the Ladder Leadership Services, and the former executive artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the former acting artistic director of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. A 2024 Doris Duke Artist Award winner, Garrett co-founded the theater advocacy coalition Professional Non-Profit Theater Coalition in 2020 in response to the COVID-induced, industry-wide shutdown.
“TCG’s expanding leadership has an incredible opportunity to help our member theaters evolve our industry into a just and thriving ecology,” Garrett said. “Through its vast network of programming, its alumni and history of leading the industry through change, TCG remains dedicated to being a conduit for connection, programming, career development, advocacy and knowledge-building. These are all things I feel deeply passionate about and that I have rooted my career in. I am very excited and honored to support this dynamic leadership team through one of the most important transitions in the organization’s history. I am committed to doing everything I can as chair to ensure they are successful.”
In addition to Garrett, TCG’s board includes vice chairs Hana S. Sharif and John Fontillas, as well as treasurer Angela Lee Gieras.
