WASHINGTON, D.C.: Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company has announced Emika Abe as its new managing director. Abe succeeds Meghan Pressman, who left Woolly Mammoth to become the first woman to serve as managing director of Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles.

“It is an absolute honor to join Woolly Mammoth at this particularly momentous time for the organization,” said Abe in a statement. “Woolly is one of the most daring theatres in the country, and I am inspired by its demonstrated commitment to radical inclusion, creative risk-taking, and innovation.”

Abe joins a theatre that just underwent a leadership change; Woolly Mammoth artistic director Maria Manuela Goyanes will soon celebrate one year as leader of the organization. The theatre is one of the largest in the D.C. area and is known for its artistically innovative productions.

Abe will start her new job on Oct. 7. She is currently the associate managing director of Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, where she was the co-chair of the organization’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee and oversaw the redefining of the theatre’s mission, vision, and values. In addition, as mentorship co-chair of the League of Resident Theatres, she launched a mentorship program for aspiring theatre leaders from underrepresented backgrounds.

“As soon as I met Emika, I knew that she was a kindred spirit not only for me, but also for Woolly,” said Goyanes in a statement. “As exemplified by her leadership at the Alliance, Emika has the skills and big vision we need to keep pushing the limits on how expansive the theatre can be. I am tremendously excited by the fresh perspective she will bring to Woolly as we embark on my inaugural season of programming, and to partner with her to dream up new and innovative strategies of deepening Woolly’s impact in Washington, D.C., and beyond.”