CHICAGO: Raven Theatre has announced the appointment of Markie Gray as the theatre’s new managing director, effective July 1, following a nationwide search.

“We are delighted that our search for a managing director led to the appointment of Markie Gray who, after spending a number of years working in Chicago theatres, has completed her graduate work in Theatre Management at Yale University,” said Raven board president John Clum in a statement. “Markie’s training and experience will serve Raven Theatre well as we look to a challenging future for our art form. The board of directors and the staff of Raven look forward to working with Markie in her new position.”

Gray most recently served as Yale Repertory Theatre’s associate director of marketing and communications. Prior to that, Gray was the company manager at Yale Rep, management fellow at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, production manager at American Theater Company, and artistic producer at First Floor Theater. Gray, originally from Ann Arbor, Mich., has worked as a producer, production manager, sound designer, stage manager, educator, and performer in Chicago, and is an artistic associate of First Floor Theater. During her time at Yale School of Drama, receiving her MFA in theatre management, Gray was a leader of the Womxn’s Voices in Theater affinity group and a member of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group.

“I am beyond grateful to return to my favorite community on earth: Chicago theatre,” said Gray, who has a B.A. from the University of Chicago, in a statement. “The honor of serving this city, at a time when our field is questioning the very foundations of art and justice, is not lost on me. I look forward to joining with artistic director Cody Estle, the board and staff of Raven, and Chicago artists to ensure we have these essential conversations at every level of our institution as a first step in this urgent work. It is a great privilege to lead, and I promise to lead with empathy, collaboration and community.”