Leadership expansion supports artistic excellence and deeper community connections

BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore Center Stage (BCS) today announced the addition of three new leaders to its team, welcoming Tiffany Johnson as chief development officer, Whitney C. Brown as senior director of external affairs and Brendan McNamara as producer. Together, these appointments strengthen BCS’ leadership across fundraising, communications and artistic operations as the theater continues expanding its impact in Baltimore and beyond.

“These appointments reflect BCS’ commitment to investing in exceptional leaders who understand the power of storytelling and community,” said Stevie Walker Webb, artistic director at BCS. “They each bring distinct expertise and perspectives to their work, and together they will help shape the future of the organization in meaningful ways.”

Johnson is a fundraising strategist, arts leader and community impact architect with more than 15 years of experience advancing mission‑driven organizations across the arts, health, education and civic sectors. Most recently, Johnson served as the director of development for the American Heart Association in Central Iowa, where she led fundraising strategy, major gift cultivation and executive‑level pipeline development for the region’s signature campaigns.

Prior to her work at AHA, Johnson served as the community impact specialist at Bravo Greater Des Moines, where she designed and launched the organization’s first Strategic Community Impact Investment Framework. Her work aligned public arts funding with measurable cultural outcomes and expanded partnerships with civic leaders, arts organizations and underrepresented communities.

As chief development officer, Johnson will lead the organization’s fundraising strategy by cultivating donor relationships and securing philanthropic support to sustain programming and organizational growth.

Brown, a Baltimore native and award-winning communications strategist, storyteller and publicist with more than a decade of experience leading high-impact communications initiatives across the arts, entertainment, nonprofit and public sectors, joins the organization as senior director of external affairs.

Brown joins BCS following her tenure as director of communications for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, where she led integrated communications campaigns, local and national media relations, social and digital media strategy, influencer engagement and brand storytelling initiatives. 

During her time with the BSO, she led communications surrounding the historic tenure of Music Director Jonathon Heyward, helping elevate the orchestra’s national profile during a transformative period for the organization. She also launched the orchestra’s first influencer program, expanded cultural and media partnerships and helped lead integrated campaigns spanning classical music, opera, education and community engagement initiatives.

In her role as senior director of external affairs, Brown will lead BCS' efforts to strengthen relationships with audiences, community partners, media and stakeholders while advancing the organization’s visibility and strategic goals. She will oversee external communications and engagement initiatives, helping expand community connections, elevate the theater’s profile and deepen the organization’s impact across the region.

BCS also welcomes McNamara, who brings extensive experience in theater production and administration to the organization, having held leadership roles with some of New York’s most respected theater institutions. Most recently, he spent five seasons at MCC Theater as associate general manager, where he helped produce works including Cold War Choir Practice, Table 17, Wolf Play and Walk on Through, among others.

Prior to MCC, McNamara spent four seasons as assistant general manager at Classic Stage Company in New York City, where he worked on productions ranging from Shakespeare and Stephen Sondheim revivals to new plays by American playwrights including Kate Hamill and Terrence McNally. He also served on the Off-Broadway League Board during the 2025–2026 season.

As producer, Brendan will oversee the planning and execution of productions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality artistry and performances on stage, while supporting meaningful audience engagement through thoughtful production leadership and artistic collaboration.

The appointments come at a dynamic moment for BCS, which has just announced its 2026–2027 season featuring world premieres, musicals, family adventures and American classics, reflecting the theater’s goal of establishing itself as both a national incubator for new work and a cultural home for Baltimore audiences.

“We’re excited to have Tiffany, Whitney and Brendan join our team,” said Ken-Matt Martin, producing director at BCS. “Their collective leadership and experience will help propel BCS forward at a pivotal moment for the theater and the city, as we continue building a more inclusive, innovative and community-centered home for artists and audiences alike.”

These appointments further strengthen a growing leadership team at BCS, joining the recent promotions of Jenn Dewberry to chief operating officer and Bridgette Burton to producer as the organization continues shaping its next chapter.

ABOUT BALTIMORE CENTER STAGE

Baltimore Center Stage, designated the State Theater of Maryland in 1978, is a nationally recognized leader in the development of new work and a cultural cornerstone of the Baltimore community. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Stevie Walker-Webb and Producing Director Ken-Matt Martin, BCS has become a home for artists and audiences seeking bold, urgent, and joyful storytelling.

Known for developing work that moves beyond Baltimore to stages across the country, Baltimore Center Stage is a vital incubator for new plays and musicals, a place where artists take risks and audiences experience stories at the very beginning of their journey. At the same time, BCS remains deeply rooted in its city, serving thousands of students, families, and community members through expansive education programs, civic partnerships, and accessible public offerings.

Everything at Baltimore Center Stage is guided by a belief that theater is both an art form and a public forum. Grounded in the core values of Joy, Service, and Connection, BCS is committed to creating work that reflects the fullness of our communities and ensures that the culture belongs to everyone.