News & Events
Heather Hitchens Re-Upped To Lead Broadway’s American Theatre Wing For Five Years During “Pivotal Moment”
Heather Hitchens has been reappointed President and CEO of the American Theatre Wing under a new five-year contract, extending her leadership at what the organization says is a pivotal moment.
Previous agreements were three years in length.
The Wing – the founder and co-presenter (with the Broadway League) of Broadway’s Tony Awards – announced the reappointment today along with two key internal appointments.
The stability in the Wing’s leadership comes as much of the theater industry – in New York and across the country – continues to grapple with the fallout of the Covid pandemic and shutdown, rising production costs and the Trump Administration’s antipathy towards government arts funding.
In its announcement, the Wing noted that since Hitchens started her tenure in 2011, the organization has tripled its operating budget and significantly expanded its grant-making and professional development programs to reach artists nationwide. She’s also credited with spearheading the integration of the Obie Awards into the Wing’s portfolio, formally bringing Off and Off Off Broadway into the organization’s ecosystem.
Other accomplishments cited in Hitchens’ reappointment: She was, the group said, “a driving force in strengthening and growing the Tony Awards” and “led a re-imagining of the Wing’s signature Working in the Theatre and National Theatre Company Grants programs while also launching major initiatives such as the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative and the Gavin Creel Fellowships, advancing equity, access, and opportunity across the field.”
“Her renewed contract reflects the Board’s confidence in her vision and steady leadership as the organization enters its next phase,” per the announcement.
Also announced today were two key internal appointments, with longtime staffers Ian Weiss and Ann Marie Gong named the Wing’s Vice President and Chief-of-Staff, respectively.
“Weiss has played a central role in expanding and elevating the Wing’s digital presence and storytelling, shaping how the organization engages artists, audiences, and the broader theatre community through award-winning content and innovative marketing strategies,” the announcement reads. Gong “has been instrumental in strengthening internal operations, supporting board and staff leadership, and ensuring organizational alignment during a period of growth and transition.”
In a statement, Hitchens said, “I’m thrilled to continue my work with the American Theatre Wing at a moment of real momentum for the organization. As we look ahead, strengthening our leadership team is essential. Promoting Ian Weiss and Ann Marie Gong recognizes the leadership they already bring to the Wing and ensures we are well positioned to expand our impact and continue serving artists across the country.”
The Wing’s Board of Trustees is currently undertaking a strategic governance review process aimed at “further strengthening Board leadership, policies, and the overall organizational structure to best support the Organization’s future growth.” Ted Chapin has been serving as Interim Chair to guide this process, which will culminate in the appointment of a new Chair and slate of officers to work in partnership with the staff leadership team.
“It was a great joy to be the Chair when Heather was hired, and now help guide this important process at such a pivotal moment,” said Ted Chapin. “The Wing has grown and flourished beautifully not only thanks to Heather and her team, but also to the phenomenal efforts of the Wing Board of Trustees. Now, is the perfect time to reflect on where we are, where we are going, and how to best position and structure ourselves for continued success.”
