A strategic Hire for Future Growth

The addition of a CFO marks a significant step in Gulfshore Playhouse’s organizational advancement. Rudder’s primary focus will be on strategic financial planning, ensuring the theater’s continued success and expansion within southwest Florida’s vibrant arts community.

Kristen Coury, Founder, CEO, and Producing Artistic Director, expressed her enthusiasm for Rudder’s arrival: We are delighted to augment our leadership team and support our growth by the addition of the vital position of CFO. She further emphasized the rigorous selection process, stating, After an extensive nationwide search, we knew that Joey would be a great cultural fit, and also be the brains behind our financial strategies and enhanced reporting that is required now that we are in the new Baker theatre and Education Center.

Rudder’s Extensive Background

Rudder brings a wealth of experiance to Gulfshore playhouse, most recently serving as the CFO/COO of Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah, Georgia. His responsibilities encompassed a broad spectrum of financial, operational, and human resource functions.

• Oversight of internal and external financial reporting
• Budgeting and payroll management
• investment strategies
• Facilities projects
• Management of associated staff

Prior to his tenure at Telfair Museum of Art, which began in 2014, Rudder spent 12 years in various roles within both non-profit and for-profit organizations in Savannah. These included positions at friedman’s Jewelers, The Landings Club, Royce learning Center, and Portman’s Music.

This diverse experience has honed his expertise in:

• Non-profit financial success
• Budget development
• Strategic planning
• Process improvement

From kentucky to Naples: A Journey of Expertise

Before establishing himself in Savannah,Rudder attended the University of Kentucky,where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He was also an active member and Treasurer of the school’s Clay Target Team. Following graduation, he worked as an office manager for a local Internet Service Provider.

Rudder’s enthusiasm for his new role at Gulfshore Playhouse is evident: I am thrilled and honored to have the prospect to join Gulfshore Playhouse as its CFO. It is indeed an exciting time in the organization, with the recent opening of the Baker Theatre and Education Center, to be joining and working alongside such an energetic and passionate team as we look to expand the impact of the art of theatre in Southwest Florida.

Rudder currently resides on Wilmington Island in Savannah with his wife, Ashley, a Registered Nurse specializing in orthopedic surgery, and their two sons, Lucas and Drew. The family is preparing to relocate to Naples in the coming months.

Looking Ahead

Rudder’s arrival follows Gulfshore playhouse’s inaugural season in the new Baker Theatre and Education Center. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in guiding the theater through its next phase of growth and development.

FAQ: Joseph Rudder and Gulfshore Playhouse

who is the new CFO of Gulfshore Playhouse?

Joseph Rudder.

When does he start?

July 14, 2025.

What is his main focus?

Strategic financial planning.

Where was he before?

CFO/COO with Telfair Museum of Art in Savannah, Georgia.

What is Kristen Coury’s role at Gulfshore Playhouse?

Founder, CEO, and Producing Artistic Director.