Tom West, who has served since 2021 as the organization’s executive director, has announced his intention to depart Atlanta Ballet effective March 31, 2026, and a search is underway for the role.
During his nearly five years in the position, West is credited with leading the organization in a post-pandemic rebound including strengthening the organization’s diverse and inclusive culture both internally and through audience expansion, and revitalizing its marketing and sales functions, realizing 10% year-over-year subscription growth, undoubtedly the envy of any modern arts organization.
The Atlanta Ballet Board of Trustees, chaired by Nancy Field, has appointed a seven-person search committee and hired BoardWalk Consulting to find West’s successor. Atlanta Ballet Chief Operating Officer Pamela Whitacre will serve as interim executive director for the organization until the new leader is installed.
“As Gennadi Nedvigin begins his second decade at the artistic helm and the organization approaches its Centennial, Atlanta Ballet is poised for significant growth,” said Field. “The Company’s superb artistry and athleticism coupled with an exciting range of classical and contemporary programming has thrilled our audiences and led to steady increases in subscription sales and in philanthropic investment. Under new executive leadership, Atlanta Ballet will seek to leverage this momentum to achieve its long-sought goal of financial stability, making world-class dance a legacy for Atlanta.”
Added Gennadi Nedvigin, Atlanta Ballet’s artistic director, “We thank Tom West for his leadership and contributions in reenergizing our organization from the stillness of the pandemic to the significant expansion of our audience. With our level of programming and performance at its height, we are ready for the next steps into the future."
Atlanta Ballet’s mission is to enrich its community by sharing the power and joy of dance, inspiring audiences with the highest caliber of artistic excellence on stage, empowering students through superior dance education, and broadening the reach and impact of dance through active community engagement.
