Co-Chief Executive model not sustainable for Theatre Network Australia

The Board of Theatre Network Australia has advised of the mutual agreement in December 2024, between the Co-Chief Executives, Erica McCalman and Joshua Lowe and the TNA Board that the Co-Chief Executive model was not sustainable.

TNA note that the organisational changes are being made to ensure the organisation continues to serve as a champion of the sector.

TNA commenced a new chapter in 2024, following the departure of the founding Executive Director Nicole Beyer after 14 years as Chief Executive.

Kate Sulan, Chair, on behalf of the Board of Theatre Network Australia advised “we took the bold step of establishing a new shared leadership model and we were fortunate to be able to appoint two remarkable leaders as our inaugural Co-CEOs: Erica McCalman and Joshua Lowe.

“TNA has benefited from the partnership between Erica and Joshua over the last year, with each bringing different ways of thinking, working, and advocating. While the Co-CEO model has shown strong potential and the growth and learning within the organisation has been significant, in December 2024 the Co-CEOs and Board mutually agreed that the Co-CEO model was not sustainable.

“The TNA Board have worked rigorously through the ensuing transition period and have decided to return to a sole CEO structure. In moving forward, the Board has decided on an open recruitment process for the next CEO of TNA to which internal and external candidates are invited to apply. During that time Joshua will serve as Interim CEO supported by Steph Speirs who has moved into the role of Interim General Manager.

“Erica has decided not to apply for the sole CEO role and will be leaving TNA on 27 March. The TNA Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Erica for the substantial contribution she has made to the organisation over many years including her time as Chair and most recently as Co-CEO. TNA’s staff and its membership have benefited greatly from Erica’s valuable knowledge, experience and from her perspective as a creative producer, thinker and advocate across the performing arts nationally and internationally.”

Sulan added “The leadership of TNA has been enhanced by Erica’s calm generosity, care and deep commitment to the sector. Some key achievements include leading TNA’s peer forum around The Voice referendum, overseeing TNA’s soon to be released First Nations Circle Map to Thrive and bringing her insight and expertise to TNA’s Equity and Climate initiatives.

“In addition, we are grateful for the leadership Erica has shown in building strong relationships and through delivering meaningful speaking engagements at sector events during a time of change and uncertainty in the industry. We extend our warm wishes to Erica and look forward to seeing what future impacts she makes as she embarks on the next stage of her career.

“We are confident that these changes will ensure that TNA is best placed to support its essential work as the leading national industry development and advocacy organisation for small to medium and independent performing arts.”

Go to https://tna.org.au/about/work-with-us/ or email recruitment@tna.org.au for details about the recruitment process.

Image: Joshua Lowe and Erica McCalman. Credit: Theatre Network Australia