WORCESTER, MASS.- Following the June 30 retirement of Executive Director Kathleen Gagne, Mechanics Hall announces the appointment of Meghan Montaner as its new Executive Director, effective July 21. Montaner’s extensive experience in arts programming, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership makes her a dynamic and thoughtful choice to lead the historic venue into its next chapter.

Montaner most recently served as president of the conservatory and education division at The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory, where she played a pivotal role in the theater’s $32 million historic restoration and opening in 2008. Over her 18-year tenure, she helped shape nearly every aspect of the organization—from early fundraising efforts and the opening of the box office to facilities, operations, and managing a team of more than 200 volunteers and front-of-house staff. Over the next decade, Montaner launched education programs for the theatre leading to the opening of a conservatory for the performing arts in 2017. Today, those programs serve 20,000 students annually through classes, student matinees, and community engagement. Her work with the Worcester Public Schools garnered a Community Partner Award and the Goddard Scholars Community Partner Appreciation Award. Programs she spearheaded gained national attention from the Broadway League in N.Y.C. and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Montaner holds a master’s degree in theatre education from Emerson College.

“I am deeply committed to the Worcester community and eager to lead Mechanics Hall into a new chapter of growth,” said Montaner. “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.”

Peter Thomas, President of the Mechanics Hall Board of Trustees, said that “Meghan’s thoughtful leadership and deep experience in Worcester’s arts community makes her an ideal fit for Mechanics Hall. 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.”

“I’m delighted to see Meghan step into the position,” said Kathleen Gagne, who retired June 30 after more than 30 years of service to the Hall, including the last seven as Executive Director. “Her deep roots in Worcester’s cultural landscape and her passion for education and community engagement will serve the Hall’s mission beautifully.”

The national search for a new Executive Director was conducted by Development Guild DDI, a consulting firm specializing in executive search and strategic services for nonprofit organizations.