Burkus, who joined Studio Theatre in May as the company's director of strategic initiatives, succeeds Keith Alan Baker, who the longtime managing director and artistic director of the company's Studio 2ndStage.

Burkus joins Studio Theatre artistic director David Muse in overseeing the organization, which is currently presenting Joshua Harmon's acclaimed comedy Bad Jews. The upcoming season also includes Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy, the world premiere of Beth Henley's Laugh and the U.S. premiere of Jumpers for Goalposts by Tom Wells.

"Meridith joined us in May and impressed everyone from day one. She has shown herself to be a smart strategist with enthusiasm for Studio’s programming and potential, a proven record of fundraising and developing new audiences, and an expertise in organizational design," Studio Theatre board president Gerry Rosberg said in a statement. "Her knowledge and experience are the perfect complement to David's vision for Studio's next period of growth. I look forward to working with Studio under their shared leadership."

"I'm excited to deepen our partnership," added Muse. "Meridith’s perspective and creativity—along with her wide-ranging leadership experience at major theatres as well as other non-profits—position us to make a lasting impact on our neighborhood, our city, and the field at large."

Prior to her work at Studio Theatre, Burkus served as the director of external relations at StoryCorps. During her five seasons at the Public Theater, Burkus worked on initiatives for Shakespeare in the Park, Public Lab, Joe’s Pub and the Under the Radar Festival, and was key in the completion of the theare's $40 million capital campaign to renovate its Astor Place home. She is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory. Visit StudioTheatre.org.