The Welders Welcome Two New Board Members

The Welders-Washington's only playwrights' collective devoted exclusively to developing and producing new work-has added two members to their Board of Directors.

Scott S. Eichinger is the Director for Donor Relations and Stewardship for the National Park Foundation, the official charitable partner for the National Park Service, where he is responsible for the stewardship, recognition, and engagement of major and principal gift donors. He previously worked for the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and Maryland Fund for Excellence (both at the University of Maryland), Environmental Law Institute, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Mr. Eichinger has an MA in Arts Management from American University and a BFA in Theatre Management from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He is a member of the Association of Donor Relations Professionals (ADRP).

Toni Rae Salmi is Director of Education and Research for the International Foodservice Distributors Association. A member of the American Society of Association Executives, she served on the ASAE Research Committee for two years. Ms. Salmi has been Resident Director for Pinky Swear Productions for the last five years, where she directed and performed in Cabaret xx: Les Femmes Fatales (Pick of the Fringe: Best Musical) and Cabaret xx: Love the One You're With; directed Carol's Christmas and Bondage; and performed in Benched and Cabaret xx: Everyone F**king Dies. She is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the DC Cabaret Network, and holds an MA in Theatre.

"We're absolutely honored to have Scott and Toni join our board," says Jojo Ruf, Executive and Creative Director of The Welders. "Their experience and enthusiasm is a huge asset, and we can't wait to learn from their expertise. We're delighted that they've joined us."

Eichinger and Salmi join the current Board, comprised of president KenYatta Rogers, treasurer Gail Prensky, Carolyn Crouch, Melvin D. Gerald, Jr., Tiane Mitchell Gordon, Michael Kharfen, Ellen Malasky, Sam Sweet, and Christie Walser.

"I am absolutely thrilled to join the Welders Board of Directors," says Salmi. "I look forward to supporting this remarkably talented group of artists as they share their stories with our community."

Eichinger agrees. "I am honored to join the board of directors of The Welders," he says. "With The Welders providing a nurturing space for these local artists, the community as a whole will continue to be a beacon of creativity in our nation's capital."

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