Theater artistic director: Michelle Hensley, Ten Thousand Things

This is a tough category because there are three or four artistic directors who could easily qualify. What puts Hensley at the head of the class is her ability to maintain a laser focus on her mission while constantly refreshing the work. Ten Thousand Things brings theater to audiences that otherwise would be unlikely to attend -- such as people in workhouses and shelters. That this is done with the highest of quality proves Hensley's integrity.