PROVIDENCE, R.I.: Trinity Repertory Company has announced that executive director Tom Parrish will depart the organization on Oct. 15. After six years at the organization, Parrish has opted to relocate to New York City to pursue other opportunities closer to his fiancé. Trinity Rep’s board of trustees has begun transition planning and will commence a national search process to identify a new managing partner to join artistic director Curt Columbus and ensure a smooth transition as the nonprofit organization returns to in-person production. The search committee will be led by board vice chair Kibbe Reilly.
“Although we are sad that Tom will be leaving Trinity Rep in October, the trustees are extremely grateful for the work he has done over the last six years to position Trinity for the future,” said Lou Giancola, chair of the board of trustees, in a statement. “His leadership was particularly instrumental in Trinity being able to survive the pandemic and emerge ready to produce great theatre this season. He can take pride in leaving Trinity in excellent shape for his successor.”
Added artistic director Curt Columbus in a statement, “Tom Parrish is one of the great minds of the American theatre…His ability to consider the problems that confront cultural institutions is unparalleled, and he has helped put Trinity Rep in the best financial and structural position we’ve ever known in our 57-year history. At the same time, many of us realized during the last year of isolation that family and home is as important as our professional lives, and Tom is following his heart in the most beautiful way I can imagine. While I will feel his loss at the theatre, I celebrate his decision as his friend.”
In a statement, Parrish said, “While it was a difficult decision, it gave me great encouragement to know that Trinity Rep is in a strong position both artistically and financially…It has been a privilege and an honor to serve this organization and community. I am so thankful for the support I’ve found and the friendships I’ve made, and am particularly grateful to have enjoyed a fruitful and successful partnership with Curt.”
During Parrish’s tenure, Trinity Rep produced seven world premiere productions, including the commissioned adaptation of The Prince of Providence, plus a digital production of A Christmas Carol. The organization was recognized for Excellence at a Mid-Size Company by Providence Business News in 2018 and won the Best Practice Award for Leadership by the Rhode Island Foundation’s Initiative for Nonprofit Excellence in 2017. Since 2019, Trinity Rep has been named a Four-Star Charity by national evaluator Charity Navigator.
