Alisha Tonsic.
NEW YORK CITY: Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for theatre and the publisher of American Theatre, has announced the selection of Alisha Tonsic as co-executive director of national operations and business development. Tonsic will join the previously announced members of the shared leadership team: co-executive director of national and global programming, Emilya Cachapero, and co-executive director of national engagement, LaTeshia Ellerson, to lead TCG through a transformative new era. This innovative leadership structure represents a historic step for TCG. By embracing shared leadership, TCG has shifted to an organizational structure committed to shaping a dynamic future for the national theatre ecology.
“This model and the appointments of these extraordinary women are not just historic—they are paradigm-shifting,” said Nataki Garrett, board chair of TCG, in a statement. “They represent the first signs of systems change within TCG, signaling a bold step toward creating a more sustainable and thriving organization.”
“We are excited to welcome Alisha on this organizational journey,” remarked Cachapero and Ellerson in a joint statement. “Alisha brings a proven track record of driving growth opportunities, enhancing operational effectiveness, and supporting long-term sustainability while advancing mission-driven work. Together we will imagine the possibilities for TCG to navigate change, inspire hope for our collective future, and meet the evolving needs of our community.”
Tonsic joins TCG with extensive arts service organization and nonprofit theatre experience, including most recently serving as executive director of the Network of Ensemble Theaters (NET), where she championed shared leadership structures and collaborative artmaking practices throughout the field. During her tenure, she demonstrated bold leadership in navigating complex challenges, implementing strategic organizational solutions, and fostering collaboration across sectors.
“I am honored to partner with LaTeshia and Emilya in co-leadership to elevate TCG’s mission to lead for a just and thriving theatre ecology,” said Tonsic in a statement. “In this evolutionary moment of great possibility, I look forward to collaborating as a leadership team, and with the entire TCG staff and board, to cultivate an agile and responsive organization that both reflects our values and supports our constituents.”
The announcement follows an extensive search process led by Creative Evolutions, with leadership from succession committee co-leaders Hana S. Sharif, vice chair of TCG’s board, and Jeremy B. Cohen, board member, as well as support from TCG’s staff. The completion of this leadership search signals a new chapter for TCG, one designed to deepen collaboration across the sector, enhance engagement and partnerships, and advance a bold vision for the role of national service organizations and the future of theatre.
