The 28-year-old Whiteway began his career with the O'Neill center in 2004, initially serving as general manager of the Waterford, CT, theatrical institute. He assumed the role of executive director in 2007 when Amy Sullivan stepped down.

Under Whiteway's stewardship, the O'Neill Center was awarded the 2010 Tony Award for Regional Theatre.

"Preston has taken the O'Neill to new heights in every way. His professionalism, organizational skills and talent are at the heart of what we have been able to accomplish over the last three years,"said O'Neill board chairman Tom Viertel, in a statement. "I look forward to working with him as we move forward into the next, exciting stage of the O’Neill’s growth and its increasing impact on the world of American theatre."

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center was founded in 1964 and is based in Waterford, CT. Programs at the Center include the Puppetry Conference, Playwrights Conference, Critics Institute, Music Theater Conference and the National Theater Institute. The Monte Cristo Cottage, O'Neill's childhood home, is also owned and operated by the group.

For more information on the O'Neill Center, visit the website at www.TheONeill.org or call (860) 443 5378.