SAN FRANCISCO: The League of Resident Theatres has announced that Stephanie Grassi has been selected as the organization’s new general counsel, succeeding Harry H. Weintraub. Grassi will begin on March 16, with Weintraub departing on Aug. 31 after serving as general counsel for nearly 40 years.

“We welcome Stephanie Grassi’s strong experience and leadership to the association,” said LORT president Jennifer Bielstein in a statement. “Stephanie’s work in labor and employment law, her collective bargaining experience in several industries, her understanding of how theatre is made, and her rich history with the League of Resident Theatres made her a standout among numerous candidates.”

Grassi, who was selected by a 15-member search committee led by Bielstein, has been an associate with O’Melveny & Myers LLP since 2014, providing corporate and pro bono clients with legal counsel in a variety of labor and employment matters. Prior to that, Grassi worked for the Berkshire Theatre Festival and served as the LORT management associate, working with Weintraub to negotiate and administer LORT’s collective bargaining agreements. As general counsel, Grassi will represent and advise LORT and its member theatres in collective bargaining negotiations, handle day-to-day administration of those collective bargaining agreements, and provide guidance on other labor and employment matters affecting LORT and its member theatres.

“Returning to LORT to serve as general counsel is the role of a lifetime for me,” said Grassi in a statement. “Having come up through not-for-profit theatre, I’m honored and elated for the opportunity to advocate for LORT and its members, and to support the excellent work they do for their communities and the industry.”

Grassi’s new role will also include providing a central location for knowledge about LORT’s history and development. Grassi will also replace Weintraub as a primary contact for unions and other industry leaders.

“I am proud of all that LORT has accomplished for the past 40 years,” Weintraub said in a statement. “It has been gratifying supporting the organization and its members in the successful negotiating of dozens of collective bargaining agreements over this period.”

In his statement, Weintraub also congratulated LORT on a successful search and said he is looking forward to ensuring a smooth transition over the coming months by sharing his knowledge and experience with Grassi. Weintraub, a partner in the firm of Glick and Weintraub, P.C., has served as LORT general counsel since 1981.

“Harry Weintraub’s retirement is another huge moment of transition for the field of American theatre,” said Bielstein in a statement. “For almost 40 years, he has served as a tireless advocate, champion, advisor, and repository of knowledge for LORT theatres and the industry at large. His legacy will be enduring.”