Michael J. Schoenfeld served as Tennessee Repertory Theatre (TRT)'s board president 2005–2008. He is leaving his current position as vice chancellor for public affairs at Vanderbilt University for a similar position at Duke University in Durham, N.C. He begins his new duties in June 2008.

It's an invaluable asset to have someone like Michael on your team," TRT Producing Artistic Director René Copeland said. "He's has been a great spokesman for the mission of Tennessee Rep and for the work we do, and has worked tirelessly on our behalf. He has been a strong and compelling leader for us at a time when vision and strength really made a difference, and we're grateful for that."

Before moving to Nashville, Schoenfeld was senior vice president for policy and public affairs at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) in Washington, DC, 1993-1997. He served as CPB's chief spokesman and senior corporate officer for media relations, community relations, research, public policy and technology, as well as a principal participant in the corporation's Congressional lobbying efforts.

From 1986-1993, Schoenfeld held a number of senior positions at the Voice of America (VOA), (the U.S. Government's international radio and television network), including director of television programming, congressional and public liaison officer, and chief of staff/executive assistant to the Director. He began his career at VOA in 1986 as a reporter and news anchor.

Schoenfeld has been active in community and national issues, and is a frequent public speaker and talk show guest. He is a graduate of Leadership Nashville and Leadership Music, and served as chairman of Metro Nashville's Cable TV Commission, president of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and vice president and president of the University School of Nashville.

TRT Audience Development Director Bennett Tarleton said, "We are especially grateful Michael was our president during what has been an exciting and challenging period. His board responsibilities have been significant with groups like WPLN, University School of Nashville, Family and Children's Services, Center for Nonprofit Management, and Belcourt Theater, so his willingness to serve us, too, speaks well of him, Vanderbilt's commitment to the community, and for Tennessee Rep."

In addition, Schoenfeld served on the boards of National Association of College and University Business Officers, Vanderbilt Hillel, Sister Cities of Nashville, Leadership Music, Summer Institute for the Gifted, and the Public Relations Society of America's Counselors to Higher Education.

A graduate of Duke University, Schoenfeld earned a master's degree in public policy from the Harriman School at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Schoenfeld and his wife Elizabeth, a teacher, writer, editor and community volunteer, have one daughter, Abby, who has been a student at the University School of Nashville.

Tennessee Rep Presents Going Away Gift to Schoenfeld

Tennessee Rep staff and board presented departing board president, Michael Schoenfeld, with a gift during The Underpants LookIn, the final one of the 2007-2008 season. The gift, made by Gary C. Hoff, Tennessee Rep's Resident Scenic Designer, is a collage of the blueprints from all the sets built during his term as board president.