East Haddam-based historic theater Goodspeed Musicals is looking for a new managing director to replace David B. Byrd, who is leaving at the end of September after about four years.
Byrd will become chief operating officer at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. He is returning to the area for “a new opportunity closer to his family.”
Byrd previously worked at the Virginia Stage Company and the University of Tennessee’s Clarence Brown Theatre.
During his tenure, Byrd worked with Artistic Director Donna Lynn Hilton to steer Goodspeed through the coronavirus pandemic, and helped create the theater’s first strategic plan.
“David and Donna Lynn led us out from the depths of the pandemic with innovative and successful strategies, leaving us poised to produce ever more excellent shows and welcome larger and more diverse audiences,” said Hila Rosen, president of the Goodspeed’s board.
Hilton will lead a process for finding the new managing director. Meantime, she will assume all executive leadership duties on an interim basis.
“David has been an exceptional partner as we worked together to bring Goodspeed back from the pandemic…” Hilton said. “I look forward to welcoming our next managing director and my next partner as Goodspeed undertakes many exciting projects on our campus and stages.”
