The SSDC's longtime head — whose contract ends in November — will not be renewing. A search committee to find her replacement has been formed and is scheduled to begin interviews in late spring or summer.

Hauptman came to SSDC in 1995 and has overseen numerous contract negotiations, grievances and arbitrations and such issue-driven activities as property rights and copyright in her 12 years with the union. Among her achievements are piloting the union's educational arm, founding the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG) and serving as the co-chair of the League Pension and Health Fund Board of Trustees.

"My time at SSDC has been glorious and the current staff is clearly capable of taking the union into its next phase," said Hauptman in a statement. "I greatly appreciate my years in the theatre/dance world and think it is definitely time I started going to the box office and paying for my tickets."

SSDC President Pam Berlin stated, "In her twelve years with SSDC, Barbara has been an incredible Executive Director. In all of the areas that her job has encompassed, she has set a high bar for excellence... To say that we will miss her terribly would be a gross understatement."

Hauptman is not seeking another executive position, the announcement reports, but would enjoy teaching. She adds, "I have a bunch of great stories to tell." For more information on SSDC, visit www.ssdc.org.