BOSTON: The Theater Offensive has named Harold Steward its new managing director. Steward succeeds Adrian Budhu, who now serves as TCG’s deputy director and chief operating officer. Steward will begin the new post on June 1.

“We are thrilled to welcome Harold to this key leadership role at the Theater Offensive,” said TTO founder and executive artistic director Abe Rybeck in a statement. “I’ve followed his impressive work in Dallas for many years. His cultural organizing illuminates how LGBTQ lives play out in communities of color. Harold does the critical work of building a more inclusive and powerful community, and he makes the work fun!”

Steward most recently served as manager of the South Dallas Cultural Center. In 2009, he founded the Fahari Arts Institute in Dallas, which celebrates, displays, and produces the work of queer artists from the African diaspora. He is a member of the board of directors for the National Performance Network/Visual Artists Network. He holds leadership and volunteer roles with Next Gen National Arts Network and Abounding Prosperity. He has been recognized for his support of the African American and LGBTQ communities in Dallas with awards including the Dallas Voice Local Queer Notable award, Apostle Alex D. Byrd Empowerment Award from the Legacy of Success Foundation, Dallas Voice Readers’ Choice Best Theatrical Director, National Performance Network Mentor and Leadership Award, and D Magazine Up Starter in the Arts.

“I admire the work of the Theater Offensive for how vital it is to the LGBTQ community and the whole theatre field,” said Steward in a statement. “The Theater Offensive’s bold art, representing the full diversity of the LGBTQ community, has inspired me and my work for years, and I am excited to work with the dedicated staff and stakeholders to continue to grow and advance the mission and values of the organization. In my new role I can help expand the Theater Offensive’s impact and secure its sustainability.”