David B. Byrd's career in the professional regional theatre has spanned 20 years with his most recent position as the Managing Director of Virginia Stage Company, Southeastern Virginia's largest producing theatre. As the chief operating officer of one of the region's most respected arts organizations, David guides the organization's fundraising, marketing and operations functions in addition to stewarding use and care of the historic venue. A passion for placemaking, thoughtful community engagement, arts advocacy and coalition-building have made him a sought-after collaborator throughout the region. His commitment to equity, diversity, access, and inclusion is steadfast, with appointments to anti-racism working groups and other related posts in academia and the non-profit sector. Prior to his work in Norfolk, David was Managing Director of the Clarence Brown Theatre at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he also served as Adjunct Professor in the UT-Knoxville Department of Theatre and on the Chancellor's Commission for LGBT People. While at the Clarence Brown Theatre, David introduced a new play program and produced a fruitful collaboration between the theatre and the 7 Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he was named a 40 Under 40 honoree by the Knoxville Business Journal. Dedicated to arts education and integration, David was appointed to the McClung Museum Academic Programs Advisory Board and the Great Schools Partnership Advisory Council.