The Douglass Theatre Announces Leadership Transition
As the Douglass Theatre presses forward into a new horizon, The Friends of the Douglass Theatre Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Shelton Land, Ph.D. has been named the new Executive Director. With more than 15-years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and performing arts fields, Dr. Land brings his purpose-driven work ethic and vision to his role at the Douglass Theatre.
A native of Virginia, Dr. Land earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communication from Norfolk State University (NSU), a Master of Social Work Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Walden University. Before joining the Douglass Theatre, Dr. Land served as Vice President of Education with United Way of Central Georgia (UWCG) and was responsible for leading the organization’s birth-through-eight educational initiatives across 14 counties, with Macon-Bibb as one of the primary counties. During his tenure, he helped build and lead Read United, a key initiative that supports students with grade-level reading challenges. He increased this initiative to currently serve six school districts within UWCG’s service area. He also helped launch and advance the AARP Foundation’s “Experience Corps” intergenerational tutoring program in Central Georgia.
Dr. Land is a Leadership Macon alumnus and has served as Artistic Director with the annual Atlanta Black Theatre Festival. He has received various awards and accolades for his leadership and service in the nonprofit and theatre sector. He credits his natural talent of making people laugh and his spiritual faith with helping him thrive as a leader while utilizing art as an educational tool to serve and help advance the community.
Dr. Land replaces long-term Executive Director, Ms. Gina Ward, who is retiring after more than two decades of leadership service. She played an integral role in the celebration of the pandemic-delayed milestone of The Douglass Theatre’s 100th Centennial Anniversary through a virtual and in-person setting. As the Executive Director, she used her experience to bring robust programming and financial stability to help sustain and move forward the mission of the Douglass Theatre which is relevant and thriving today. She worked alongside countless talented artistic professionals to serve the educational and cultural needs of our community through the theatre. The Board of Directors and staff are very thankful for Ms. Ward’s dedication and commitment to excellence in the operation and promotion of the Douglass Theatre. We wish her much success in her future endeavors.
We would like to thank the public for your continuous support of the Douglass Theatre and welcoming Dr. Shelton Land in leading the theatre forward as we “Reflect Upon Our Past, Celebrate Our Present, and Rejoice Toward Our Future” in continuing the theatre’s legacy as #ALWAYSAPLACEFORGOOD shows!
The Friends of The Douglass Theatre Board of Directors
