CINCINNATI: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) has announced that executive director Jay Woffington will step down next month to pursue a new opportunity as CEO of Christian Moerlein Brewing Company. Woffington will remain with the company as a board and executive committee member CSC will launch a national search for a replacement in the new year.
“The last eight years have been incredible and rewarding at Cincinnati Shakespeare, and Jay has been a huge force behind that,” said producing artistic director Brian Isaac Phillips in a statement. “He was an invaluable leader and change agent in our transformation from a storefront theatre to a world-class cultural institution in OTR [the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood]. We wish him the best in his new endeavor, but he isn’t going far—we are thrilled he will be moving to the board and executive committee and staying close to the business. We are looking forward to the future for CSC and will be launching a national search for the next leader to join our team.”
Woffington joined CSC as executive director in 2012 after serving on the board of directors for several years. During his tenure as executive director, he has helped to grow the company by nearly 300 percent. Most recently, Woffinton led the capital raise and construction for the $17.5 million new Otto M. Budig Theater on the corner of Washington Park in Cincinnati. For his leadership, Woffington was awarded the Key to the City of Cincinnati in August 2017.
“I have loved my time at CSC and am very proud of what we were able to accomplish together,” said Woffington in a statement. “Obviously, being able to create our beloved new theatre with you all has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my career—together we have put CSC on the map, literally and figuratively. This company is in very good hands and I can’t feel more confident that now is a good time for both me and for CSC. With excellent financial management, an outstanding creative product, and an inspiring mission, a newly adopted 5-year strategic plan and a new permanent home, the company is well-positioned to continue its growth.”
