(DALLAS, TX) September 3, 2025  — Dallas Children's Theater today announced that Michael Meadows, a highly respected leader in the North Texas philanthropic community, will serve as its executive director on an interim basis, effective September 1, 2025. Meadows succeeds Samantha Turner, who will transition to the role of chief operating officer for a period of months to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Meadows brings nearly four decades of experience in the non-profit and philanthropic sectors to Dallas Children’s Theater. His extensive background includes roles as President and CEO of the Dallas Zoological Society, where he led the transformation of the Dallas Zoo into one of the nation's premier zoological parks. He has also held leadership positions at Southwestern Medical Foundation and The University of Texas at Dallas.

Michael's deep understanding of Dallas's philanthropic landscape and his track record of strategic leadership will be invaluable as we work to build a sustainable future for Dallas Children’s Theater,” said President of the Dallas Children's Theater Board of Directors, Leah Mora. "We could not have asked for a more gifted person to lead our theater through this next stage."

Dallas Children's Theater provides the Dallas and broader community with artistic and educational experiences, serving as a vital resource for professional family-friendly theater, arts education for schools and community enrichment. By producing engaging performances and a range of educational programming, Dallas Children’s Theater inspires young people and fosters community engagement, cultural understanding and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Turner, who served as Dallas Children's Theater’s first new Executive Director in its 40-year history following the retirement of Founder Robyn Flatt, championed Meadows for the role, “Michael has the skills, relationships and knowledge to lead Dallas Children’s Theater into the future. His experience serving performing arts and children-centered nonprofits is exactly what is needed.”

Dallas Children's Theater is set to begin its 42nd season this fall with a co-commissioned world premiere of a new holiday show from Mo Willems, The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! and a newly appointed Artistic Director, Emily Ernst. Meadows views Dallas Children's Theater’s mission to serve students and families as vital to the city’s cultural landscape.

"The best way to ensure Dallas continues to grow as a national leader in the theatrical arts is to create the next generation of theatergoers," Meadows said. "Dallas Children's Theater is building the foundation for a cultural landscape that will determine the character of this city for decades to come. I am honored to join this team and support the work that has an immeasurable and uplifting impact on the young people in our community.”