The Keegan Theatre Welcomes Whitney Donaldson as New Executive Chair

The Keegan Theatre announces a leadership transition, as long-time Board Co-Chair Virginia Riehl has stepped down after more than 8 years of Board leadership. At a meeting of Keegan Theatre's Board of Directors on August 26, 2015, the trustees accepted Riehl's resignation and elected Whitney Donaldson as its new Board Co-Chair.

Riehl's departure comes after more than 8 years of tireless leadership at the helm of Keegan's Board of Directors, a tenure during which Riehl was pivotal in Keegan's evolution and growth. During Riehl's term as Board Chair, Keegan moved from Arlington, VA, to Dupont Circle to become the permanent resident theater company at Church Street Theater. Riehl led the Board through the company's purchase of the building in 2013 and its subsequent major capital campaign, which successfully raised the funds to complete the theater's $2.6 million renovation. The theater reopened its doors in June 2015.

Virginia Riehl

While she felt the time was right to step down, Riehl intends to stay involved with Keegan and will always be proud of the work accomplished during her time on the Board. "It's hard to step down from the Board role that has been such an integral part of my life for so long," says Riehl, "but I felt it was time - after such a long and productive run - for me to shift my priorities to other things and for Keegan to transition to a new leader for its new era. I'm tremendously proud of what we accomplished during my tenure and I will remain actively supportive of Keegan." Riehl will continue to serve on Keegan committees and plans to stay connected with the company in a range of ways.

The Board of Directors unanimously voted Whitney Donaldson (pictured, above) as its new Executive Chair (Mark A. Rhea, Keegan's founder and artistic director, is the company's Artistic Chair). Donaldson has lived in DC since 2008 and has been a supporter of the Keegan Theatre since her arrival. She holds a Masters degree in Special Education from Texas A&M Commerce and a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Southwestern University. Donaldson began her career as a special education teacher in Texas. Throughout her professional career she has worked in special education at the local, state, and federal levels. Donaldson is currently busy with her two young children and is CEO of Lucky Buck Productions, a company she founded with her

husband to support the performing arts. Lucky Buck is a unique enterprise that places an emphasis on the artist while maintaining an entrepreneurial business approach. The company has participated in projects internationally and continues to support the expansion of the arts to communities around the world.

"I'm thrilled and humbled to step in to this position, filling the impressive shoes of Virginia Riehl," says Donaldson. "Virginia steered this Board through complex and epic changes and we are so thankful for her leadership. I'm excited to see what Keegan has in store as we expand our roots in the DC arts scene and settle into our new and permanent home. The Board has big plans for Keegan, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to help steer this organization's leadership through its next stage of development."

As for Rhea, the transition is a bittersweet one. "Virginia has been my Keegan partner for so many years - and through the most exciting time of this company's existence," he says. "I can't imagine sitting at a Board meeting without her across the table from me, and I'll miss her leadership and companionship. But she deserves a break - and we are so grateful for the many years she selflessly gave over to the growth and advancement of this theater company. And while it's hard to say goodbye to Virginia, I'm excited and honored to welcome Whitney to this position and to chair the Board with her as Keegan looks forward. Transition, while challenging, can also be good for an organization - and I'm eager to see what the future holds and how the Board of Directors will change and grow under Whitney's leadership."

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