Mark Shanda, dean, arts and humanities, and professor, theatre, was named president-elect of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), and will become president of the organization following voting by USITT members in the current election cycle. Shanda will serve one year as president-elect, beginning July 1, and will assume the presidency July 1, 2015.

USITT is a 4,000-member, national organization that aims to advance the skills and knowledge of theatre, entertainment and performing arts professionals involved in the areas of design, production and technology. USITT provides an environment for these professionals to connect, create, share, and communicate their craft.

“Being chosen president-elect by a vote of the over 4,000 members of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology caps 30 years of engagement in that organization and launches a new five-year adventure,” Shanda said. “USITT is the member organization for all the people who work behind the scenes to bring live performance to life, and I am both humbled and honored to serve.”

See the announcement in Sightlines, the USITT-member newsletter.