ATC's managing director since 2004, Andrew Hamingson, moves to The Public Theater to become executive director, replacing Mara Manus.

Lawson has a long history working in nonprofit organizations, in health care and the arts. He joined Roundabout Theatre Company in 2001 as director of development managing all aspects of the company's fundraising programs. Working closely with the board and senior management, he worked on board development and strategic projects to grow the annual fundraising and sponsorship programs from $5 million to $10 million. He has also "collaborated on senior level issues impacting Roundabout's three permanent theatres including press opportunities, capital projects, management challenges and donor marketing programs."

In addition, he planned and managed a successful $32 million capital campaign to fund renovations at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre and Studio 54, create an innovative production fund and establish the theatre's first true endowment. He secured several naming gifts through the capital campaign and led the efforts to attract several million dollar grants from foundation supporters.

Prior to his position at Roundabout, he was associate director of development at New York City Opera at Lincoln Center, director of development at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College and several senior level fundraising and marketing positions at hospitals in New York and New Jersey.

He has taught classes in fund raising and writing at New York University and served on funding panels for the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and ART New York. He completed the CORO Leadership New York program in 2004. "We are thrilled to have Jeff Lawson join Atlantic," artistic director Neil Pepe said in a statement. "He is a strong leader, an outstanding fundraiser and all around exceptional guy. He will be an excellent addition to Atlantic and we're lucky to have him. We believe he is a perfect fit for the organization."

Lawson stated, "I've always considered Atlantic to be a standout theatre company that consistently produces some of the most interesting new works in New York. Even during challenging times, it has reached its stride. I look forward to partnering with Neil and collaborating with the committed board and staff to continue to build on the company's success."

Atlantic chairman of the board and Time Warner executive vice president Olaf Olafsson stated, "We're excited to have found an outstanding new managing director in Jeff Lawson, who will partner with Neil to continue Atlantic's innovative work while leading the company into the future."

ATC's 2008-09 season includes Ethan Coen's Offices, Martin McDonagh's The Cripple of Inishmaan and Beau Willimon's political drama Farragut North.

ATC presents on two stages: the mainstage at The Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues) and Atlantic Stage 2 (330 West 16th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues).

Tickets are by available by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 (ticketcentral.com).

For more information visit www.atlantictheater.org.