GLENS FALLS, NY.- The Hyde Collection announced today it has hired William Belcher, an experienced development and communications professional, author, and teacher, as the museum’s first Director of External Affairs. In this new position, Mr. Belcher will manage The Hyde’s fundraising and marketing efforts.

Mr. Belcher is a Greenwich resident who previously worked for The Hyde as a grant writer from 2002 to 2006. Most recently, he served as the Director of Development at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA), where he managed the massive museum complex’s fundraising operations and coordinated its Phase III $55 million capital campaign.

Before joining MASS MoCA, Mr. Belcher served as the Senior Director of Corporate, Government and Foundation Relations for The Sage Colleges in Troy and Albany. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs.

“Bill is a multi-talented professional who is able to seamlessly navigate the worlds of business, art, and education. We are so pleased he is joining us at The Hyde in a leadership role,” said Erin Coe, Director of The Hyde Collection. “He has an impeccable reputation and a sincere approach that resonates with donors and community members.”

Mr. Belcher earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Theater Arts from Hartwick College in Oneonta, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT. His first book, Lay Down Your Weary Tune, published by Other Press and distributed by Penguin Random House, will be released in January 2016.

As a teacher, he’s led courses on proposal writing and donor stewardship as well as creative writing workshops at The Sage Colleges, Hartwick College, and many community not-for-profit organizations. Through his experience in all facets of development, he’s raised over $15 million from individuals and secured grants and sponsorships from more than 200 grant makers, including the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

“I’m honored to be returning to The Hyde at such a pivotal moment in its history,” Mr. Belcher said. “This museum is an outstanding resource for Glens Falls, the greater Capital Region, and beyond, and I share Erin’s vision for its bright future.”

Mr. Belcher will begin his duties with The Hyde on Sept. 9.