Susan Habas has served as Executive Director of Thalian Association Community Theatre since 2011, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and financial stewardship for the Official Community Theatre of North Carolina, one of America’s oldest producing theatre companies. A significant focus of her leadership is the preservation, stewardship, and management of historic community assets. She oversees the Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center for the City of Wilmington, managing the historic facility, its operations, programming, partnerships, and preservation initiatives while ensuring the building remains an active and accessible home for the arts and community.
Under Susan’s leadership, Thalian Association has expanded its artistic, educational, and community programming while honoring its 238-year history. She has initiated programs including TACT Academy, free school performances, Sensory Friendly performances, the Rookie Program, Let’s Take the Stage for adults 55+, and ARTfall, an annual exhibition at the Hannah Block Historic USO Community Arts Center. She has also founded and developed signature fundraising and community events and cultivated strong collaborative relationships with area nonprofit organizations, arts and cultural groups, schools, and community partners. Through grants, sponsorships, and these partnerships, she has helped expand access to theatre and arts education for thousands of children, families, and community members each year.
A native Wilmingtonian, Susan brings a diverse background in fashion, retail management, business development, customer relations, fundraising, and event production. Her professional experience, combined with deep roots in the Wilmington community, has shaped her approach to nonprofit leadership, emphasizing sustainable operations, meaningful partnerships, creative fundraising, and strong community engagement.
Susan is particularly passionate about historic preservation through active use—ensuring the Hannah Block Historic USO Building remains vibrant, relevant, and meaningful to the community, not simply preserved. She has guided numerous historic and mission-driven collaborations, many in partnership with the World War II Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition, including programs and events that celebrate Wilmington’s World War II heritage. Her work also includes productions aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and collaborations recognizing significant local and national milestones, connecting historic preservation with engaging community experiences.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of NC East, contributing her experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and cultural stewardship. Susan continues to champion the arts as a powerful way to preserve history, strengthen community, and create meaningful experiences for future generations.
Susan enjoys life in Wilmington with her husband, Michael, and their three Havanese—Gabby, Olive, and Cuba.