Timothy J. Shields. Photo: The Old Globe

SAN DIEGO–The Board of Directors of The Old Globe named Timothy J. Shields as Managing Director. A nationally respected arts leader, Shields will work together with Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein to lead San Diego’s flagship arts institution.

Both Shields and Edelstein will report jointly to the Board of Directors. Currently the Managing Director at McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, New Jersey, Shields will assume his managing director duties at The Old Globe in October.

“I am thrilled that Tim Shields will come to San Diego to partner with Barry Edelstein in leading The Old Globe in making theatre matter to more people,” said Old Globe Board Chair Vicki L. Zeiger. “With his experience leading nationally respected theatres and serving as President of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), Tim has a deep understanding of what it takes to run a successful, thriving theatre. I am also deeply grateful to our search committee and specifically its chair, Stephen P. Embry, who worked tirelessly to find the perfect person, Tim, to help the Globe further our mission.”

Timothy J. Shields served as McCarter Theatre Center’s Managing Director from 2009 to 2017. From 1983 to 1992, he was McCarter’s Business Manager and General Manager. His professional experience includes serving as Managing Director at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for 10 years; as Managing Director at Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, New York, for six; and in administrative positions at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis and Denver Center Theatre Company. He is the Immediate Past President of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and was the Chair of the ArtPride NJ board. He has served on the boards of Theatre Communications Group, Milwaukee’s Latino Arts Board, the Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee, and Theatre Wisconsin, and he has been a panelist, panel chair, and on-site reporter for the National Endowment for the Arts. He holds a B.F.A. in Drama Production from Carnegie Mellon University in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“Tim Shields is one of the most accomplished executives in the American not-for-profit theatre movement, and his arrival at The Old Globe heralds a new period of growth and achievement here,” said Edelstein. “Tim’s leadership has been transformational at each wonderful company he’s run, and his contributions at the national level have been equally great. He is a thoughtful, distinguished, and kind man whose positivity and optimism will impact not only the Globe, but also our city’s entire arts community. I am beyond delighted to welcome him here, and I truly look forward to working in partnership with him as the Globe continues to make theatre that matters.”

“I couldn’t be more deeply honored to be named The Old Globe’s new Managing Director,” said Shields. “I feel extraordinarily privileged to join an institution with the stellar reputation that the Globe has, and I relish the opportunity to partner with Artistic Director Barry Edelstein to continue building the Globe’s reputation for artistic excellence and community impact. I’m tickled pink at the thought of beginning that work when I join the Globe’s staff in October.”

The Old Globe’s Search Committee worked closely with former Old Globe Managing Director Thomas Hall (1981–2000) and Stephen J. Albert of AlbertHall&Associates on the international search for a Managing Director. Chaired by Old Globe Board member Stephen P. Embry, members of the committee include Board members Stephanie R. Bulger, Ph.D.; Nicole A. Clay (Incoming Chair); Elaine Bennett Darwin (Immediate Past Chair); George S. Davis; Paula Powers (Secretary); and Vicki L. Zeiger (Chair). Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and Director of Production Robert Drake also served on the committee.