Berkeley man tapped as new Director of Cultural Services in Marin County

After a nationwide search, the County of Marin is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Dow, shown above, as the new Director of Cultural Services. Dow served as Deputy Director of the department since October 2022 and stepped into the role of Interim Director in November 2024 after the departure of former Director Gabriella Calicchio.

“The Department of Cultural Services, in partnership with the nonprofit  Marin Cultural Association, is charged with supporting our thriving arts community by offering a cultural hub and gathering space at the Marin Center and providing leadership in building support for the arts throughout the county,” a Marin County press release stated.

The press release continues:

As Director, Dow is responsible for guiding the strategic vision and overseeing all administrative business operations, policies, and procedures for the department’s programs — from managing Marin Center facility rentals and producing the beloved Marin County Fair, to serving as the Executive Director for the Marin Cultural Association. He will also oversee the department’s $7.2 million budget and 12 full-time employees.

“Steve’s passion for the arts and expertise in fostering partnerships helped him stand out among a talented pool of candidates,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “In addition, his leadership, vision, and deep experience in the arts, theater, and nonprofit sectors — combined with his background in the fair industry — make him the ideal choice for this role. The entire Civic Center campus serves as a canvas for creativity, and I look forward to working closely with Steve and the Cultural Services team to elevate the arts in Marin.”

Prior to joining Marin County, Dow served as the Chief Administrative Officer for Roundabout Theatre Company in New York for which he oversaw all administrative operations for one of the largest nonprofit theaters in the country. During this tenure, he received six Tony Award nominations and one Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play for the production A Soldier’s Play. Dow is also a member of the Broadway League and a past member of the Board of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT).

Dow is a native of Northern California. Born and raised in Lassen County, Dow was an active 4-H member in his youth and showed beef cattle and sheep at the Lassen County Fair. He capped off his 10 years in the 4-H program by being selected as a 4-H Diamond Star and serving as a statewide ambassador. 

Later, he received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and law degree from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). He practiced labor and employment law in San Francisco for 10 years before making his way east to work in the theater. He is admitted to practice law in California and New York.

Dow then pursued his passion of the arts and earned a Masters of Fine Arts with honors from Columbia University in the Theater Management and Producing program. He then spent seven years working as a commercial theater general manager and eight years as a nonprofit theater executive on Broadway at Roundabout before returning to the Bay Area.  

“I am excited to step into this important role for the arts in Marin,” Dow said. “My vision for a fully activated campus with upgraded facilities, accessible to all, will be my driving force for the next several years. I look forward to working with our incredible team and community partners to transform the Marin Center campus into a stronger and more dynamic arts and cultural hub where everyone feels welcome.”

Dow lives in Berkeley with his husband, Tom Parrish, who serves as Managing Director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Dow’s starting annual salary will be $213,636 with benefits comparable with other County department heads.