Karen Azenberg was named the new president of SSDC, while Larry Carpenter was named the organization's new executive vice president. Azenberg succeeds Pamela Berlin in the position, which was held by Berlin for six years. Carpenter assumes the position now vacated by Azenberg.

In a statement Azenberg said, "I am thrilled to be taking on the challenges of this leadership position, to serve our membership and to collaborate with other industry leaders to facilitate the work of theatre artists across the country."

Karen Azenberg recently provided musical staging for the Pioneer Theatre Company's production of Les Misérables. She choreographed the Roundabout Theatre Company's production of The Dazzle as well as Off-Broadway's Prom Queens Unchained and Jonathan Larson's Blocks.

Larry Carpenter received a Tony nomination for his direction of Starmites. He also received an Emmy Award for his direction of "As the World Turns" and a DGA Award for his work on "One Life to Live."

Member representatives of SSDC, according to press notes, "collectively bargain contracts with producer organizations, thus creating the national standards for professional stage direction and choreography." The organization services approximately 1,700 members and 300 associates in the U.S. and abroad.