Troy Siebels, who helped lead the growth of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts for more than two decades, has joined The Worcester Guardian as interim executive director.
Siebels will oversee fundraising, donor relations, philanthropic outreach and community partnerships for Worcester’s independent nonprofit news organization. He also will work with the Guardian’s board of directors to build relationships with individuals, foundations, businesses and civic organizations interested in supporting its work.
“As the Guardian grows, we need to build a broader and more sustainable base of community support,” Guardian board chair Tim Loew said. “Troy’s experience developing relationships and leading a major Worcester nonprofit makes him well suited to help us take that next step.”
Siebels joins the Guardian after spending 22 years at The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, including 20 years as the organization’s president and CEO.
He was involved in the effort to restore and reopen the former theatre in downtown Worcester, helping develop the organization’s business plan, raise money and build its staff and programming. The Hanover Theatre opened in 2008 and grew into a prominent performing arts and educational organization in Central Massachusetts.
Siebels also has held leadership and board positions with Worcester-area civic, cultural and economic development organizations. His experience includes working with businesses, nonprofits, public officials, donors and community leaders throughout the region.
At the Guardian, his responsibilities will include cultivating prospective donors, pursuing philanthropic and grant support and helping develop individual giving and membership programs. He also will represent the Guardian at community and business events, develop partnerships with local organizations and help the board expand its fundraising and outreach efforts.
The Guardian launched in 2023 as Worcester’s independent nonprofit digital news organization. Its mission is to provide free, accessible and independent journalism that informs residents and encourages civic participation.
A member of the Institute for Nonprofit News, the Guardian distributes a free daily digital newsletter to more than 20,000 readers. It launched a new website earlier this year and recently announced plans to form a community advisory board.
The Guardian’s coverage includes city government, education, neighborhoods, economic development, public health, sports, arts and culture, and other issues affecting Worcester residents.
Siebels will focus on the organization’s business, fundraising and community relations activities. Editor Charlene Arsenault will continue to lead the newsroom and oversee its journalism. Editorial decisions remain independent of the Guardian’s donors, sponsors and board of directors.
“We are pleased to welcome Troy to the Guardian,” said Dave Nordman, lead consultant to the organization and former executive editor of the Telegram & Gazette. “His experience and relationships will help us grow the philanthropic support behind our civic-minded journalism while preserving the editorial independence at the center of our mission.”
