Timothy J. McClimon, currently the interim executive director of New York's Signature Theatre, will step into the role of executive director permanently beginning July 1 alongside Artistic Director Paige Evans.
McClimon was previously executive director of New York's Second Stage Theater, where he was a board member for more than 25 years. He was also president of the American Express Foundation and American Express' senior vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility. McClimon has also held roles at the AT&T Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
He and Evans are currently working on a rebranding for the organization—including a relaunched website—that emphasizes Signature’s long-term relationship with playwrights through its residency programs. McClimon has also worked on improvements to the building’s lobby that will allow it to host performances and other works through its SigSpace program.
Signature Theatre Board President Douglas E. Chittenden said in a statement, “As we sought to fill this position, we were so happy Tim emerged as the leading candidate: The work he has demonstrated at Signature during this transformative moment for theatre has been nothing short of inspiring. The decades of experience he has, with his multifaceted understanding of the nonprofit sector and his exemplary work in funding, will help Signature significantly in its support for theatre artists and their exceptional contributions to our culture.”
McClimon added, “Signature has a unique and important mission in the ecosystem of U.S. theatre. The playwrights Signature supports are national treasures—and deserve to be celebrated and produced in the best possible way in the best possible facility. The organization’s commitment to creating a beautiful home for playwrights that lends itself to their work is what drew me to Signature as a funder, as an audience member, and now as executive director. It’s an honor to continue my partnership with Paige and the Signature staff.”
Evans stated, “I’m thrilled Tim is joining us in a permanent capacity. He began this work with us at a time of great upheaval for our industry, and he has jumped in and is doing an incredible job with a steady hand and a wise approach to leadership. Tim has been a wonderful partner: From the very start, he felt like a member of the team, bringing with him so much momentum, and a spirit of rebuilding, on the heels of our return season to in-person programming.”
Signature Theatre Board of Trustees’ Board ED Search Task Force, led by Nina Matis, conducted the search for the position in conjunction with Arts Consulting Group.
