Buffalo, NY (WBEN) A change of roles for leaders at Shea's. After a number of complaints by employees of a toxic workplace, Shea's is reassigning president Michael Murphy and conducting a hybrid leadership plan.
Shea's Board of Trustees announced at a meeting Thursday President Michael G. Murphy accepted a new role with the organization that expands his work with the board "in furtherance of Shea’s’ short- and long-term visions." Murphy will focus on developing a capital campaign for sustainability of all Shea’s entities. This will include continued relations with Broadway productions, fundraising, sponsorships and external relations. Director of Operations Robert Brunschmid will expand his duties to include day-to-day supervision of the Center’s operations. As such, he will work closely with all members of the Shea’s team, manage its theaters and add business operations to his responsibilities.
“The board, after listening to our staff, consulting with two human resources experts who studied Shea’s personnel and operations, believes strongly that this arrangement will best serve the team and, most importantly, our patrons and sponsors,” said Board Chair Randall K. Best. “We see this as allowing people to play to their strengths.”
Because the new hybrid arrangement is innovative, but untested, the board, Murphy and Brunschmid agreed to test it for six months. After that time, all parties will review it and determine next steps.
The board also established a human resources committee that will supervise the arrangement and determine if Shea’s should establish a full-time HR department.
Best announced the arrangement to staff members in a meeting earlier today.
“We are looking forward to the full return of our patrons and fans of Broadway musicals and other shows,” Best said, “and we can’t wait to throw open the doors on this amazing season.”