SEATTLE: The 5th Avenue Theatre has named Katie Maltais their new managing director. Maltais will assume the role in September, succeeding Bernadine C. Griffin, who retired this month.

“Katie’s unwavering dedication to nurturing sustainable organizations that foster the creation of art is truly inspiring,” producing artistic director Bill Berry said in a statement. “I eagerly anticipate the journey ahead as we partner with her to fulfill the 5th’s mission in the years to come.”

Maltais is currently the managing director of Stages Houston and previously served as the managing director of Denver’s Curious Theatre Company. At Curious, Maltais developed the Loyalty Target, a progressive arts administration model that has been adopted by other theatre companies across the country and in Europe. She also previously served as a member of the executive team at the Lone Tree Arts Center and worked for the consulting firm TRG Arts. Maltais holds a degree in theatre and arts administration from Drury University.

“Helming the 5th Avenue Theatre along with Bill is a dream come true,” Maltais said in a statement. “I am looking forward to collaborating with this incredible team of staff, board, and artists to ensure the longevity and vibrancy of the 5th for generations to come.”

The 5th Avenue Theatre aims to enrich the community by giving the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that go on to light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway. As the region’s largest performing arts employer, 5th Avenue spreads the joy of great musicals with people of all ages across the region, reaching 30,000 young people annually through their nationally acclaimed education programs. As of 2022, the theatre had a budget of approximately $23.6 million.