The Des Moines Community Playhouse has named Chelsea Haaland its new executive director, beginning June 15. She joins Artistic Director Katy Merriman on the organization’s leadership team. David Kilpatrick, who led the Playhouse for more than eight years, left the nonprofit in November 2025, according to LinkedIn. Haaland most recently served as related arts curriculum facilitator for the Waukee Community School District, Iowa’s third-largest school district. She started her career as a theatre and speech teacher and director. Colleen Powell, Playhouse board president, said Haaland has a more than 25 year history with the Playhouse and she is “a visionary, nationally recognized arts leader.” Haaland earned a bachelors degree in communication and theatre arts teaching and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Northern Iowa. 

Editor’s note: This article was updated at 1:55 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2 to add details about the Playhouse’s previous executive director and his departure.