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ZACH Theatre Selects Jamie Herlich Mclalwain as New Managing Director

The former director of development and chief advancement officer of Seattle Repertory Theatre will guide the next phase in ZACH’s development.

AUSTIN: Jamie Herlich Mclalwain will assume the role of managing director at ZACH Theatre, succeeding Elisbeth Challener as of September 12.  

As managing director, Herlich Mclalwain will be responsible for strategic planning, management and operations, finances, education, marketing and fundraising for the organization. Additionally, Herlich Mclalwain will partner with the ZACH theatre’s board of trustees to shape the future goals of the organization.  

“ZACH Theatre’s expansive and diverse programming, firm financial position, rich history, and strong reputation in Austin and across the country make it an exciting organization to join in this crucial time for the American theatre,” said Herlich Mclalwain in a statement. “I am honored to serve this valued organization and its dedicated community of patrons and donors.” 

Prior to ZACH Theatre, Herlich Mclalwain spent nine years as director of development and chief advancement officer of Seattle Repertory Theatre. In a key senior leadership role, she was responsible for expanding the donor base and ensuring significant growth in contributed revenue, while also creating and executing the organization’s strategic plan. Herlich Mclalwain further supported the theatre’s needs as it expanded the scope of its productions and community programming. Herlich Mclalwain holds an M.F.A. in arts leadership from Seattle University.  

“I am thrilled that Jamie was the unanimous choice of our staff and Trustees,” said producing artistic director Dave Steakley in a statement. “She inspires all of us to think expansively about the future, and practically about how to stabilize ZACH after the pandemic shutdown, while empowering our outstanding ZACH team. I am confident in Jamie and look forward to working in partnership with her to collaborate on bringing great theatre to Austin that shapes the cultural conversation in our rapidly changing city.”  

ZACH Theatre is a non-profit organization founded in 1932 and is the longest running theatre company in the state of Texas. As of 2020, the theatre’s annual budget was approximately $7.5 million.  

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