DALLAS: Dallas Theater Center has named Jeffrey Woodward as its new managing director. Woodward, who comes from the same position at Syracuse Stage, will be succeeding former managing director Heather M. Kitchen, who announced her retirement in September. He will start his new job in mid-July.

“I am very excited about moving to Dallas and joining Dallas Theater Center,” said Woodward in a statement. “The theatre is in the midst of an amazing transformation. Kevin Moriarty and the staff have done an extraordinary job in elevating the artistic scope and quality of the productions while expanding the theatre’s commitment to the community.”

Woodward has worked at Syracuse Stage since 2008, where he has developed community engagement and education programs, and produced exchanges with theatre companies from South Africa.

Prior to Syracuse, Woodward led McCarter Theatre Center as its managing director for 17 years. Alongside artistic director Emily Mann, he helped transform the McCarter into a Tony Award–winning  regional theatre. Woodward also helped lead a capital campaign to build a $14 million addition to the McCarter.

He has served as a board member for a number of organizations, including ArtPride New Jersey, Theatre Communications Group and League of Resident Theatres. Woodward has also served as panel chairman for the National Endowment for the Arts.

“We are thrilled to have Jeff join the team at Dallas Theater Center,” said board chair Rebecca Fletcher in a statement. “During the months-long search for a new managing director, we reviewed many candidates with impressive qualifications. Jeff stood out because of his experience helping theatres cultivate their donor bases and developing long-term financial frameworks to support artistic growth. We have no doubt that Jeff’s leadership will be of value for many years to come.”