Tony-winning director Kenny Leon has taken over as Chair of the American Theatre Wing’s Board of Trustees. Leon, who directed the Tony-nominated The Balusters on Broadway this past season, previously served on the Wing’s board and its Tony Administration Committee, and has long been an active supporter of the organization.

Wing President and CEO Heather Hitchens called the appointment the start of a new chapter for the organization, pointing to Leon’s artistic reputation and his track record of investing in fellow artists as reasons his leadership vision fits well with the Wing’s own goals.

Leon, for his part, framed the Wing’s mission as bigger than honoring theatre — he described it as an organization built to support the people who create it, tracing that ethos back to its founders. He said he’s looking forward to working alongside Hitchens, the board, and staff to open doors for artists, mentor rising talent, and push the industry toward being more inclusive.

The leadership change followed a board-led governance review aimed at strengthening the Wing’s structure ahead of its next growth phase. Interim Chair Ted Chapin, who guided that review, reflected on having helped bring Hitchens on board originally and said he’s confident in what she and Leon will build together.

Alongside the chair transition, the board extended Hitchens’ contract for another five years, and she announced two internal promotions: Ian Weiss to vice president and Ann Marie Gong to chief of staff.

Leon steps into the role at a busy time for the Wing, which has recently absorbed the Obie Awards into its programming, continued growing the Tony Awards with the Broadway League, revamped its Working in the Theatre and National Theatre Company Grants programs, and launched new artist-support efforts including the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative and the Gavin Creel Fellowships.

His Broadway résumé spans decades and includes The Balusters, Othello, Our Town, HOME, Purlie Victorious, Topdog/Underdog, Ohio State Murders, A Soldier’s Play, American Son, Children of a Lesser God, Holler If Ya Hear Me, A Raisin in the Sun, The Mountaintop, Stick Fly, and August Wilson’s Fences, Gem of the Ocean, and Radio Golf, along with Off-Broadway work at The Shed, The Public Theater, and Second Stage.

Beyond the Wing, Leon serves as Artistic Director Emeritus of his own True Colors Theatre Company, vice president of The Public Theater’s board, and a member of the Entertainment Community Fund’s board. His honors include a Tony, an Obie, and several lifetime achievement awards.