HOUSTON: 4th Wall Theatre Company has named Tim Richey to the newly created position of managing director following a nationwide search. Richey brings nearly 20 years of performing arts management and fundraising experience to the company, where he will start on May 17. He was most recently the director of major gifts and individual giving for the Alley Theatre.
“We are so excited to be able to bring Tim on board at 4th Wall Theatre,” said 4th Wall founders and co-artistic directors Philip Lehl and Kim Tobin-Lehl in a statement. “After spending the last six months searching both here in Texas and around the country for the perfect fit for our company, finding someone local with the such stellar qualifications and commitment to our community could not make us more thrilled and excited for our future.”
Richey joined the Alley in 2012, where he contributed to all aspects of the organization’s individual giving fundraising campaigns. He spent five years at the Houston Symphony, during four of which he was manager of VIP/patron services. Richey’s arts expertise also includes box office and ticketing management. He was the assistant manager of ticketing services for the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, and served as box office manager for the Georgia Ensemble Theatre in Roswell, Georgia. He spent a year as manager of patron services for the renowned Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts in Vienna, Va.
“I knew Kim and Philip were respected in the theatre community for their work on stage,” said Richey in a statement. “When I met their board and patrons and saw their passion for their theatre, I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to play a part in 4th Wall’s future. I’m very excited and thankful for this amazing opportunity.”
4th Wall announced its search for a managing director late last year, following a generous donation of $100,000 from Ken Bohan, president and founder of the Liberty Group, and a longtime supporter of 4th Wall and the Houston theatre community. That seed money allowed the company to raise further donations, enhancing the organization’s commitment to its mission of paying artists a living wage.
As managing director, Richey will handle daily operations for 4th Wall, as well as serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser. Lehl and Tobin-Lehl will continue their roles as co-artistic directors.
