GARRISON, NY (April 26, 2022) – The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (HVSF) announced today that Kate Liberman will step down from her role as managing director at the end of the theater’s upcoming summer season. Liberman came to HVSF in 2015, and since then has co-led the non-profit theater company in partnership with Artistic Director Davis McCallum. In a personal decision to relocate closer to family, Liberman will continue her career in theater management as the executive director at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, RI. HVSF and its board, in conjunction with an executive recruitment firm, will conduct a nationwide search for Liberman’s successor beginning May 1, allowing ample time for a smooth transition at the conclusion of the upcoming season.
“With so much excitement on the horizon for HVSF and the amazing opportunities for its future, it is incredibly difficult to leave an organization and a community that means so much to me and in which I have built so many lasting relationships,” said Liberman. “I cannot wait to return in future summers as a fan, and come to the first performance in HVSF’s permanent new venue at The Garrison.”
“I will be forever grateful for Katie’s partnership over the past seven years,” said McCallum. “In addition to being a guiding force for this organization, she’s also one of the most inspiring people you could ever hope to meet. She will be greatly missed, and the folks at Trinity Rep are very fortunate to have found a leader of her caliber who grew up in their backyard.”
Throughout her time with HVSF, Liberman has been locally and regionally recognized for her professional and community work. In 2017, Kate received the Business Council of Westchester’s 40 Under 40 Rising Star Award. She proudly served as the president of the Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce from 2016 to 2018 and has been honored by both the Chamber and the Putnam County Business Council for her work in the community. A resident of Cortlandt Manor, but originally from the Boston area, Liberman will return to her New England roots with her husband, Eric and young son, Toby.
“While it is hard to see someone as dedicated and capable as Katie leave our community, we’re excited to see the success she will have in her future endeavors,” said Robin Arditi, board chair of HVSF. “We’re also deeply grateful that the timing of Katie’s departure provides us with the lead time to find an terrific new partner for Davis, one who will continue to guide HVSF’s operations and administration with passion and expertise at this exciting moment in our history.”
Photo Caption: Kate Liberman (left) and Robin Arditi (right) at the 2021 HVSF Gala, courtesy of Tony Brickner.