Glass will start working with artistic director Geordie Brookman on the company’s 2018 programming from mid-February next year, and officially take over from current executive director Rob Brookman when he leaves in March.

She said she was excited by her new role, but also sad to be leaving Slingsby, where she had “absolutely loved” working for the past nine years.

“A chunk of my heart will forever tour with the Slingsby shows I’ve had the privilege to produce.

“My passion is being part of a company that makes theatre, and leading State Theatre offers new opportunities to connect with new audiences and artists, which I will relish.”

Rob Brookman said Glass had proven herself to be a strong arts leader and he was confident she would maintain and development the momentum State Theatre Company had built over the past five years.

Glass’s Slingsby co-founder, artistic director Andy Packer, posted a thank-you message to her on the company’s website this morning, describing her as an individual with “an unflinching passion for the role of the artist in society” and “an arts manager who will prioritise artistic practice”.

Slingsby has had a tumultuous year, losing its ongoing funding from the Australia Council in May, but then scoring a Helpmann Award nomination for its 2016 Adelaide Festival show The Young King, raising extra money through donations and arts grants and, most recently, securing additional interim funding from the State Government.

“Jodi’s new adventure marks a new chapter at Slingsby,” Packer said in his post.

“This is not the conclusion of anything. Jodi’s managerial DNA will remain with Slingsby for as long as we tread the winding path ahead.”

Glass was also named last week as one of three new appointments to South Australia’s influential Economic Development Board.