Executive Director has Overseen Key Changes, Growth in Organization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar. 21, 2022
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark Blackmon, mark@usitt.org, 800-938-7488

(LIVERPOOL, N.Y.) — USITT President Carolyn Satter has announced that she has accepted the resignation of Executive Director David Grindle, who has led the association since 2010.

“I am, of course, personally saddened by this, but also thrilled for David as he begins an exciting new phase in his professional journey,” said Satter.

“I am incredibly thankful for the 12 years I’ve spent as Executive Director of USITT,” said Grindle. “The partnerships we have developed with members have led to growth and opportunities of service that will impact our industry for years to come. I can’t say thank you enough to the USITT presidents I’ve had the privilege to serve with and to the staff, volunteers, donors, and so many others who have been part of my time at the Institute.”

USITT was founded in 1960 to promote dialogue, research, and learning among practitioners of theatre design and technology. Today, its thousands of members serve in all aspects of live performance design and technology. USITT is now the leader in life-long learning opportunities for this industry.

“The recent success of our 2022 Conference gives me the confidence that USITT is stronger than we could have imagined after the trials of the last two years,” Grindle continued. “Knowing that makes it easier to move on to new adventures ahead. I look forward to bright futures for both the Institute and me personally.”

“David’s strong and innovative leadership will be hard to match,” said Satter, “but he is leaving a vibrant and exciting organization emerging into the post-pandemic world as a potent leader in our industry. My goal is to ensure that we structure the search criteria for our next Executive Director using USITT’s Core Values of inclusion, excellence, and responsibility as guideposts to move the Institute forward from our position of strength.”

Satter says that additional information regarding the Executive Director search will be forthcoming. Grindle will continue to lead the Institute until June 13.

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