McClimon left the company to become Vice President of Corporate Affairs for American Express and head of the philanthropic program. Richard was appointed to fill the position for four months while a nationwide search for a permanent replacement is underway.

"We are fortunate indeed to have someone with Ellen's depth of experience at Second Stage Theatre," said Artistic Director Carole Rothman in a statement.  "She was enjoying well-deserved time off after 22 years in one job, when I lured her back to help us in this interim period." 

Richard ended her time with Roundabout in June 2005, having started that position in 1983 and help build the non-profit theatre company from bankruptcy to its current success. She has since worked as a consultant to several not for profit companies.  An adjunct professor at the Yale School of Drama in the Theatre Management program, Richard earned six Tony Awards as producer for Cabaret, A View From the Bridge, Sideman, Nine, Assassins and Glengarry Glen Ross. 

Second Stage Theatre currently presents the Paul Weitz comedy Show People starring Debra Monk, Larry Pressman, Judy Greer and Ty Burrell to open April 6. Next up will be Theresa Rebeck's The Water’s Edge featuring Kate Burton and Tony Goldwyn (starting May 23). The company is also currently represented on Broadway by William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin's musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Circle in the Square Theatre.

For more information on Second Stage, 307 West 43rd Street (just off Eighth Ave.), visit www.SecondStageTheatre.com.