The League of Chicago Theatres Board of Directors announces the selection of Marissa Lynn Ford as the organization’s new executive director.
Ford comes to the League of Chicago Theatres from Goodman Theatre, where she was associate managing director. Among her accomplishments are spearheading IDEAA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Anti-Racism) initiatives, contract negotiations and overseeing Chicago’s first COVID-19 Equity-approved production.
Ford will begin at the League in October. She succeeds Deb Clapp, who stepped down from her position on June 30 after leading the service organization for 14 years. Clapp will continue to consult with the League through the leadership transition.
In a statement, Ford said, “What excites me about working with the League of Chicago Theatres is the opportunity to help share the stories of many voices across the Chicago community. The opportunity to develop the strategic plan, create new relationships and call-in community members and artists is exciting work. By building off the current framework and programs with the League’s amazing team of board and staff, I am confident that we will uplift Chicago [theater] in a new way.”