Storycatchers Theatre (Chicago), a non-profit youth empowerment organization that guides youth impacted by the juvenile justice system to transform their traumatic experiences into powerful theatre and storytelling, has selected Tasha Levy as its next Executive Director. Levy will be responsible for strategic planning, organizational development, sustainability, and key partnerships. Levy assumes her new role this week, following the successful leadership of former Executive Director Priya Shah and Interim Executive Director Rachel Hauben Combs.

With over 25 years of experience in education (both in the classroom and administration), operations, curriculum design, and program development, Levy is a specialist in strategic leadership. Additionally, she brings executive-level skills and expertise honed in both the private and non-profit sectors.

Prior to joining Storycatchers Theatre, Levy served as Chief of Staff for Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO) and Chief Learning Officer for i.c.stars in which she was responsible for monitoring the training program’s quality across multiple cities and ensuring the sustainability of expansion through empowering program teams. In both Chicago-based roles, Levy developed the team’s capacity to design and implement innovative programs that align with best practices and research. Additionally, she was an integral part of ensuring the programs and outcomes matched the goals and purposes of the funding sources, be it governmental or private/donated support.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead Storycatchers Theatre during this next phase,” said Levy. “The mission of Storycatchers resonates with me and I have seen the positive changes that can be made through the arts first hand. As a former educator, it was inspiring to see the impact of integrating music and theater in the classroom. It was a life-changing experience for me and my students. I am excited to continue building on the current framework of this amazing organization with the board and staff members that make up this dedicated team. I look forward to continuing the work of Storycatchers and inspiring positive change through the arts.”

Levy holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL, a Master of Arts in Education from National Louis University in Chicago, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.

“We were searching for a passionate, vision-oriented, justice-centered leader and connector of resources and people supporting system-impacted youth,” said Kendra Freeman, Storycatchers Theatre Board Chair and Metropolitan Planning Council Vice President. “Tasha’s dedication to and enthusiasm for the mission of Storycatchers Theatre is inspiring and we look forward to growing and flourishing with Tasha at the helm. On behalf of the Search Committee, the entire Board of Directors, and everyone affiliated with Storycatchers Theatre, we proudly welcome Tasha to the team! Thank you KEES for a wonderful partnership!”

Storycatchers Theatre competitively selected and retained KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in executive searches for top nonprofit executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles. A comprehensive national search was launched, and Levy was ultimately selected from a talented pool of finalists. Leading the search efforts were Board Chair Kendra J. Freeman (Vice-President at Metropolitan Planning Council), Search Committee Chair David Sowinski (Partner at Vantage Leadership Consulting), and Search Committee members including Edmund Buck (Youth Coach at UCAN Chicago and Storycatchers alumni), Rachel Hauben Combs (Interim Executive Director/Director of Development at Storycatchers Theatre), Carla Goldstein (Legal Industry Innovator Consultant), Gerald Lewis (Market President at BMO Harris Bank US), and Rhoda Reeling (Vice President, National Association of Realtors, Retired).

“The future holds enormous potential for Storycatchers Theatre and the youth they serve,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “KEES strives to help build strong nonprofit teams and leaders through executive partnerships and we are truly honored to have partnered with such a deeply committed group of board leaders. KEES proudly congratulates the entire Storycatchers Theatre team on this appointment.” 

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

ABOUT STORYCATCHERS THEATRE

Storycatchers Theatre (SCT) guides young people to transform their life experiences into powerful musical theatre, developing the courage and vision to become leaders and mentors. By creating support for youth within the criminal justice system, Storycatchers Theatre prepares them to change their lives and emerge successfully from court involvement. With numerous dedicated resources, SCT strives to meet the complex needs of adolescents and young adults who have been touched by the justice system. To learn more, please visit www.storycatcherstheatre.org. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

STORYCATCHERS MEDIA CONTACT:

Elizia Artis, elizia@storycatcherstheatre.org