Rudina Toro is Named Executive Director of Palm Beach Dramaworks

West Palm Beach, Fla. (Thursday, September 4, 2025)- Producing Artistic Director William Hayes, former Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl, and Board Chair Carlton Moody are pleased to announce that Rudina Toro has been named Executive Director of Palm Beach Dramaworks, effective September 1. 

Toro became PBD’s first chief financial & operating officer in March, 2023, but her association with the company dates back to its early years, when she was an audit manager with Nowlen, Holt & Miner, P.A. She collaborated with Beryl on PBD’s inaugural audit, and remained audit manager for the next 12 years. Not only did the two women become friends, but Toro regularly assisted PBD on other projects over the years. She worked closely with Beryl on operational and financial structures, and was an invaluable advisor, sounding board, and resource to both Beryl and Hayes. When Toro was hired two years ago, it was with the knowledge that she would become Beryl’s successor. Beryl, a co-founder of PBD with Hayes, was preparing to step down as managing director – that title has been retired – to spend more time with her children and grandchildren.   

“Rudina knows PBD from the inside out, loves the company, and is committed to its mission,” said Beryl. “We knew she was the right person to step into this job, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she and Bill continue to grow the company.”

“I’m just so honored to be part of the PBD family,” said Toro. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I know that it will keep getting better. The mission here is so important to me, and I don’t want ‘Theatre to Think About’ touched or diluted in any way. It’s who we are. One of the things we’ve already begun to do is craft a broader effort to make people aware of our work, because we think that once they get to know us, they’ll be all-in and eager to come back again and again. In addition to the exceptional quality of our productions, our box office and front-of-house personnel create a warm and welcoming atmosphere and go the extra mile for our patrons. There’s a reason we often refer to the ‘PBD family.’ 

“What we’re focusing on now is messaging,” Toro continued. “That’s not a new concept here; our terrific marketing team has always had great ideas. But now we have more resources to devote towards creative messaging and advertising to let people know we’re here and that we offer thought-provoking theatre. We aim to deepen existing relationships and reach new audiences whom we can develop into lifelong patrons and friends.”     

Hayes said, “Rudina brings a youthful perspective, a new way of looking at things. I’ve known her for 20 years, and I suspect we’re going to learn a lot from each other. I know my audience and I know my community and there’s a reason that PBD has survived for more than 25 years. But it’s good to bring in somebody younger, who has fresh ideas and can bring new life to the organization – technology, more efficient ways of doing things. I tend to be a dinosaur about certain things. But I’m also smart enough to know that the organization needs what Rudina has to offer. I think we’re going to be a great team.”

Toro had a long and robust career in finance, accounting, and business consulting prior to joining PBD. A certified public accountant in the state of Florida, she holds a dual Bachelor of Science in applied finance and accounting from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a master's degree in taxation from Florida Atlantic University. She grew up surrounded by theatre. Her mother was a producing artistic director, and her uncle was an actor and director with the National Theatre of Albania. This early exposure instilled in her a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Her financial leadership and her personal connection to the theatre world position her as a driving force in PBD’s ongoing commitment to create meaningful and powerful theatre experiences for the community.

“I am so pleased to welcome Rudina into her new role with the PBD family,” said Moody. “She brings a wealth of experience, passion for the arts, and a deep commitment to community engagement. Her leadership, vision, and dedication to our mission will be instrumental as we continue to grow and enrich the cultural life of Palm Beach County. We look forward with great anticipation as Rudina and Bill guide us into an exciting future.” 

Beryl remains at PBD in a new capacity. As Founder in Residence – a position that gives her fewer day-to-day responsibilities and more flexibility – her goal is “to help secure the company’s next 25 years, which includes starting an endowment, deepening relationships with donors and partners, and bringing new people into the PBD family.”  

Toro added, “We’re excited for the future and we honor the past. All of us are working toward the same thing: to make PBD shine.”

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a professional, nonprofit theatre company founded in 2000 and located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. Each season, the award-winning company produces five shows and offers a wide variety of programs for students at the theatre and in schools. Committed to fostering the future of theatre, PBD has become a hub for playwrights in Florida and around the country to nurture their work through the Perlberg Festival of New Plays. PBD is a member of Theatre Communications Group, Florida Professional Theatres Association, and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County. In 2024, PBD was honored as Non-Profit of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.



The Don & Ann Brown Theatre is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach, at 201 Clematis Street. For ticket information contact the box office at (561) 514-4042, or visit tickets.palmbeachdramaworks.org

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Jennifer Sardone-Shiner

Marketing Consultant

(561) 891-7278

jshiner@palmbeachdramaworks.org 

www.palmbeachdramaworks.org