Michael Ross served since 2002 as managing director of Center Stage in Baltimore, the award-winning State Theater of Maryland, where he managed a $7.5 million dollar budget and oversaw operations, finances, audience development, ancillary programming, strategic planning and fundraising. He completed the theater’s $6.8 million initiative to increase its endowment; developed highly successful community engagement, accessibility and young audience programs; and increased contributed income 54% over five years. Previously, Ross was managing director of Long Wharf Theatre (1997-2002), where he was on the producing team for the commercial transfer of the Pulitzer Prize winner, “Wit.” During his tenure at Hartford Stage (1986-1996), he moved up from box office and business manager to general manager. He also was program officer/project director at National Arts Stabilization, and worked with Baltimore Opera Company and Alley Theater, Houston.

Ross served as a consultant in fundraising, systems, board development and strategic planning for theaters nationwide, including Kansas City Repertory Theatre, SITI Company, Wilma Theater, Trinity Repertory Company and Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. He has been a panelist for programs hosted by the National Endowment for the Arts, Theatre Communications Group and New England Foundation for the Arts, among others, and was an adjunct professor in Yale University School of Drama Theater Management Program. Ross is currently a member of the board of directors of Theatre Communications Group and National Women’s Hall of Fame.