SAN FRANCISCO: Crowded Fire Theater has named Bethany Herron to be its new managing director. Herron will replace Tiffany Cothran, who will step down in October after 10 years. Herron, the current associate director of development at the American Conservatory Theater, will assume the new role on Oct. 30.

“This is a hugely important moment for the organization,” said board president Emily Rosenthal in a statement. “Bethany brings a host of unique experiences to the position. As a local candidate, she is knowledgeable about Bay Area theatre, and in particular brings significant fundraising skills. Most importantly, Bethany’s appreciation for Crowded Fire’s strengths and her ability to analyze and envision areas for growth are in line with our recently adopted strategic plan. We couldn’t be happier to have Bethany join our organization.”

Prior to working for American Conservatory Theater, Herron served as the institutional grants manager at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She also oversaw comprehensive marketing and fundraising campaigns at Environmental Traveling Companions, and managed the accounting for a small East Bay publishing house. Herron studied theatre and English literature at San Francisco State University.

“Stepping into this position feels like coming home,” said Herron in a statement. “Crowded Fire launched in San Francisco the same year I returned to the city as a bright-eyed theatre student. Today, at a time when the pace of change in this city, and the world, is accelerating exponentially, I am so honored to be joining Crowded Fire, a company that is devoted to new works that examine the implications of these changes. I am eager to work alongside artistic director Mina Morita, continuing to grow a healthy and sustainable organization that supports our artists while remaining true to our San Francisco roots, with all the joys and challenges that entails.”