NEW YORK CITY: Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has announced Kamilah Long as its new director of advancement and philanthropic engagement, a new leadership role for the national organization for theatre. Long, who started the role on May 19, will lead the strategy and implementation of TCG’s fundraising efforts across individual, foundation, corporate, and government sources.
“Kamilah’s passion for transformative giving and her deep relationships within the arts and philanthropic sectors make her uniquely positioned to lead this crucial work,” said LaTeshia Ellerson, TCG’s co-executive director of national engagement, in a statement. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to our TCG team.”
Long will work closely with TCG’s co-executive directors, staff, and board to cultivate partnerships and develop a comprehensive advancement strategy that includes the launch of a planned giving program and the execution of TCG’s upcoming change capital campaign.
“I’m honored to join TCG at such a transformative time in the American theatre landscape,” said Long in a statement. “I see a powerful alignment between mission and momentum, and I’m eager to contribute to national strategies that advance a culture of philanthropy rooted in equity, artistic excellence, and long-term resilience.”
Long’s career spans acting, directing, producing, education, executive leadership, and fundraising. She is known for her ability to merge artistry with strategic innovation, impacting organizations and communities alike. Long began her artistic journey as a storyteller, earning her membership in Actors’ Equity Association and performing professionally while completing her undergraduate degree in theatre at Alabama State University. She later earned her Master of Fine Arts in Performance and a Certificate in African American Theatre from the University of Louisville.
Her leadership roles have included serving as executive director of Play On Shakespeare and as the inaugural director of development at the National Black Theatre in Harlem. Most recently, she served as chief development officer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), spearheading over $20 million in fundraising initiatives and championing equity in the arts. In addition to her work with established institutions, Long is the founder and CEO of The Black Whole. Under her leadership, The Black Whole has co-produced acclaimed short films, including You Go Girl!, an official selection of the Sundance Film Festival, and Ashland, a project she wrote and starred in.
