photo | MATT WRIGHT
The Great Hall in Mechanics Hall has hosted countless events in the last 165 years, including concerts and boxing matches.
3 hours ago
Mechanics Hall taps former Hanover Theatre executive as new executive director
Photo | Courtesy of Mechanics Hall
Meghan Montaner has been hired to take over as executive director at Worcester’s Mechanics Hall.
Meghan Montaner, the former president of the conservatory and education division at The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts, has been hired to take over as executive director at Worcester’s Mechanics Hall, following the June retirement of Kathleen Gagne.
Montaner helped The Hanover Theatre open in 2008 following the $32-million renovation, which brought the theater space back to life. She later launched educational programs and led the opening of the theater’s conservatory for the performing arts in 2017, according to a press release issued by Mechanics Hall on Monday.
“I am deeply committed to the Worcester community and eager to lead Mechanics Hall into a new chapter of growth,” Montaner said in the press release. “I was drawn to the rich history of the venue, its roots in education, and its contributions to the cultural vitality of the community. The future of Mechanics Hall is full of opportunity.”
Montaner’s work to bring the arts to public schools led to her being awarded the Community Partner Award in 2012 from Worcester Public Schools and the Goddard Scholars Community Partner Appreciation Award from WPS’ Goddard Scholars Academy in 2014. She holds a master’s degree in theatre education from Emerson College.
Montaner was a member of the Class of 2017 of WBJ’s 40 Under Forty. She is set to take over the executive director role on July 21.
“Meghan’s thoughtful leadership and deep experience in Worcester’s arts community makes her an ideal fit for Mechanics Hall,” Peter Thomas, president of the Mechanics Hall board of trustees, said in the press release. “ We were encouraged by the number of qualified candidates for this role. Ultimately, Meghan was the search committee’s unanimous choice to lead the organization into the next decade.”
Mechanics Hall utilized Boston-based Development Guild DDI, a consulting firm focused on nonprofits, to lead the national search for Gagne’s successor.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
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