The Levin College connects students and graduates not just with jobs, but careers with meaning. We believe our graduates are among the most diverse, driven, and well equipped to make significant contributions to the organizations they serve. 

Jeff Ryder's (MPA ’19) story showcases how Levin alumni find successful career pathways in many different fields. This March, Jeff begins a new position as the Managing Director for the Virginia Stage Company (VSC), a prominent theater destination in Norfolk, VA that serves over 58,000 patrons annually. In his role, Jeff will assist in advancing the vision of Virginia Stage Company and ensuring continued artistic, organizational, and financial excellence. A press release issued by VSC notes that “His unique background in arts leadership, community service, strategic planning, and dedication to community engagement will bolster VSC’s mission to enrich the lives of our Hampton Roads community through the arts.”

Jeff spent the last decade at Cleveland Play House, where he was able to make his mark in a variety of roles, most recently as Associate Managing Director. VSC said Jeff’s varied experience, including HR, ticketing, development, and financial oversight made him uniquely qualified for the Managing Director role. He has also played an active role in his community by volunteering with several nonprofits and community groups, including Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank. He has served on various boards and as an adjunct instructor at Cleveland State University, showing his commitment to arts education.

“I am tremendously excited to welcome Jeff Ryder as Managing Director of Virginia Stage Company,” said Producing Artistic Director Tom Quaintance. “Jeff has a wide range of management and finance experience, and his deep commitment to the critical role a theatre plays in building community perfectly aligns with our mission and values.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the team at Virginia Stage Company as Managing Director,” Jeff shared. “I look forward to getting to know the Hampton Roads Community and working with the team to make VSC a welcoming artistic home for all members of our community.”