CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Chicago's Goodman Theatre is promoting from within, as they replace their leader later this year.
Roche Schulfer is retiring at the end of August as executive director and CEO of the Goodman, after more than 40 years in that post and 50 years working for the theatre.
Replacing Schulfer will be John Collins, who is the Goodman's managing director and chief operating officer.
Collins said one of his main goals is to maintain Schulfer's legacy.
“I think more than anything what Roche has done is created an arts organization that is completely centered on the art and artists,” Collins said. “That every decision that we make here financial and otherwise is what’s best for the artists who are working at the Goodman.”
Schulfer's many accomplishments include launching "A Christmas Carol" as a yearly holiday tradition, moving the theatre from the Art Institute to the North Loop, and guiding the Goodman through the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
“I’m excited to step into the role because much of my work here has been working with artists and creative teams to achieve their artistic vision while at the same time keeping a balanced budget,” Collins added.
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