WASHINGTON, D.C.: TheatreWashington has appointed Amy Austin as the new president and CEO of the service organization, effective Sept. 23, 2015. She takes over for Linda Levy, who announced her retirement in April.

Austin is the longtime publisher of the Washington City Paper, an alternate weekly. “It’s exciting to be given this incredible opportunity to lead an organization that can catalyze success for one of Washington’s most powerful arts communities,” she said in a statement. “We can lift the presence of the theatre arts higher. There are over 90 theatrical companies in the Washington area now and their numbers are growing. They do extraordinary work every night of the week.”

Austin has also been a prominent figure in the arts; she served on the Theatre Lab’s board for many years, including 10 as chairwoman.

Said theatreWashington board chair Kurt Crowl in a statement: “What Amy is bringing to theatreWashington is unique: impressive success and experience in our region’s business community and long time involvement in our region’s cultural and theatre communities. She will be an incredible asset in promoting and strengthening our vibrant theatres through innovative programs and services. We are lucky she became available at this important moment in the life of our organization and look forward to an exciting partnership with her.”