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 back in March while a nationwide search for a permanent replacement got underway.

"I was amazed at what Ellen was able to accomplish in the four months she served on an interim basis,” said Artistic Director Carole Rothman in a statement. "Luckily, after an extensive search, the Board of Trustees heartily endorsed her as the outstanding candidate.  We are looking forward to her insightful leadership in the coming years."

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 will present a new production of Eric Bogosian's subUrbia and the New York premieres of Theresa Rebeck's The Scene Terrence McNally's Some Men in its upcoming 28th season.  The company will also see Douglas Carter Beane's The Little Dog Laughed re-open on Broadway this fall, joining the company's previous transfer The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  One final mainstage production is yet to be announced.

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