Geva Executive Director Joins Trinity Rep

Geva Theatre Center's Board of Trustees announced today that Executive Director Tom Parrish will be leaving his position to become the new Executive Director of Trinity Repertory Company, the Tony Award-winning State Theater of Rhode Island. Geva's Board of Trustees has launched transition planning and a search process to identify a new managing partner to join Artistic Director Mark Cuddy and ensure a smooth transition of business leadership as Geva launches its 43rd season of producing first-rate professional theatre. Richard Gray, a Vice President of the Board of Trustees, will lead the Search Committee, which will engage the services of a national executive search firm to assist in the search. Parrish will remain at Geva through the end of October 2015. Cuddy continues his role as the artistic leader of Geva, a position he has held since 1995.

"Tom Parrish has demonstrated himself to be a true asset to Geva Theatre Center, working tirelessly to improve and strengthen the organization. He has ushered Geva into a new and exciting era. Both Geva and the Rochester community have benefited from his contributions, and we wish him continued success in his career" said Joanna Grosodonia, Chair of Geva's Board of Trustees.

Artistic Director Mark Cuddy added, "Tom and I forged a fruitful partnership based on mutual respect and shared goals for Geva. It has resulted in my being able to focus deeply into Geva's artistic work and strategic plan. We can be proud of what we did together, and I will miss his intellect and drive. I wish nothing but the best for him."

"It has been an honor and a privilege to co-lead Geva these past nearly five years," said Parrish. "This was not an easy decision, but for both personal and professional reasons, it was simply an opportunity I could not refuse. It gave me great encouragement to know that Geva is in a better position both artistically and financially to make this change. Geva is strong not because of any one person, but because we all - artists, Board, staff, volunteers, donors and audience members - have worked collectively and collaboratively to take Geva to the next level. I have enjoyed my partnership with the Board of Trustees and Mark, and deeply value the opportunity to have been a part of this organization and community. Geva has great momentum right now, and I have confidence Geva will seize this opportunity to rise to even greater heights of achievement, especially with the Board and Mark's continued leadership."

Since Parrish joined Artistic Director Mark Cuddy in the leadership of Geva in 2011, Geva has improved its financial position, grown and diversified contributed revenue, built the company's local and national reputation, nearly completed its $10 million capital and endowment campaign, acquired new artist housing, and renovated large portions of its historic building, all while operating with positive cash flow each season during Parrish's tenure. During that time, Geva's artistic work has also flourished, with six world premiere productions, the re-launch of the Fielding Stage subscription series, Theatre & Race: A Community Conversation, the recently concluded "Journey to the Son: A Celebration of Son House," and continued recognition as "Rochester's Best Theatre" by the Democrat & Chronicle and CITY Newspaper.

All inquiries regarding this release should be made to Board Chair Joanna Grosodonia, c/o Dawn Kellogg, Communications Manager at (585) 420-2059.