Boston's The Huntington has named Christopher Mannelli its new executive director. He will start in the position November 6, succeeding Founding Managing Director Michael Maso, who retired from the role last month. Maso is sticking around as a senior advisor and executive consultant to help ensure a smooth transition process.
Mannelli joins the Huntington following a seven-year tenure at Geva Theatre in Rochester, New York, where he served as executive director and co-CEO. He's previously held roles at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Victory Gardens Theater, and HotCity Theatre in St. Louis.
“With his deep and varied experience as a leader in the theatre industry, Chris Mannelli is the right person at the right time to lead The Huntington into its next chapter,” says Huntington Chairman Randy Peeler. “He is a strategic thinker and theatre lover with business and financial expertise, and a track record of leading companies through complex challenges and growth.”
Mannelli is the second major recent hire for the Boston company. He will work alongside Artistic Director Loretta Greco, who joined the company just last year.
“I am thrilled to welcome Chris and his family to Boston and to have the opportunity to have such a mindful partner in mapping out The Huntington’s extraordinary plans for the future,” says Greco. “With his deep commitment to building an equitable organizational culture, I am certain he will inspire our wonderful staff and board, while also engaging and strengthening our impact through the work on our stages, in classrooms, and throughout our community.”
“I am honored and delighted to become The Huntington’s Executive Director at this pivotal moment for the company, and am excited to partner with Loretta, to work with the outstanding Huntington staff and board, and am eager to become part of the Boston community,” adds Mannelli. “The Huntington’s artistic vision and strong institutional values are an inspiration. Michael Maso has been a tremendous steward of the theatre for the last 40 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on The Huntington’s incredible legacy in Boston. I cannot wait to get to work.”
Mannelli comes to Boston at a troubled time for many regional theatres across the country. Continued after effects from the pandemic shutdown has forced many companies to reduce programming and lay off staff. Mannelli says he's ready to face those challenges head on. "I believe our strategy must be guided with input of the staff, board, and community, so it is necessary to have that before we engage in a specific plan," Mannelli told Playbill exclusively. "Investing our time in building authentic relationships with the Boston community is critical to rebuilding our audiences, as well as engaging in longer range planning so that we are able to secure the financial resources necessary to realize our artistic vision and invest in our workforce."
The search for Maso's successor was led by a 14-person search committee comprising Hunting board members and staff, working in consultation with Tom Hall of AlbertHall&Associates.
