President of Montserrat College of Art Appointed to Massachusetts Cultural Council

Photo: Stephen D. Immerman

Gov. Charlie Baker appointed three new members to the Board of the Massachusetts Cultural Council on Thursday. The statute that created the council established a governing Board, “consisting of nineteen members to be appointed by the governor from among qualified private citizens of the Commonwealth who have demonstrated scholarship or creativity in, or distinguished service to, the arts, humanities, interpretive sciences, or local arts.”

The members serve staggered, three year terms.

The new appointees are:

Stephen D. Immerman of Salem: President of Beverly’s Montserrat College of Art since 2009, Immerman has increased the college’s enrollment, balanced the finances, and enhanced the academic environment with new faculty appointments, upgraded technologies, and renovated facilities. Under his guidance, Montserrat is becoming a leading voice on the creative economy in Massachusetts, and the importance of the arts to a well-rounded education. He is an Essex National Heritage Commissioner, and serves on the boards of Beverly Main Streets, North Shore Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Creative Economy Council, and the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design. He holds a Doctor of Education Degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jacob Brennan of Arlington: Jake Brennan is an independent media producer working primarily in
music and experiential events. He is the Producer of the Boston Music Awards, Coordinating Producer of the award-winning public space, The Lawn On D, founder of the bespoke music house, RAMS: Recording And Music Services. In 2011, Jake co-wrote and produced original compositions for the Parker Posey film, “The Love Guide.” He occasionally performs on his own and with Cast Iron Hike. He is currently working in partnership with GYK Antler on “1Band1Brand”, the strategic alignment of bands and brands that helps musicians access resources in an increasingly fragmented music industry.

Sandra Dunn of Holden: Since 1997 Sandy Dunn has held the position of General Manager for the city- owned Arena and Convention Center in Worcester, MA. She oversaw the construction and grand opening of the Convention Center in 1997 and the $31.5M expansion and renovation project of the 14,000-seat Arena in October 2013, as well as the opening and management of the Worcester Common Oval Public Ice Skating Rink on the Worcester Common in 2013. She has been an instrumental contributor to Central Massachusetts and the Greater Worcester region for more than 15 years, having served on several volunteer boards and participated in many community outreach programs. Currently, Dunn serves on the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau Board of Directors (Former Chair), Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Destination Worcester Executive Committee and Economic Development Coordinating Council Committee. She is a graduate of Allegheny College in Pennsylvania.

The next meeting of the MCC Board is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. A full list of MCC Board members is online here.

About the Massachusetts Cultural Council

The MCC is a state agency supporting the arts, sciences, and humanities, to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts and its communities. It pursues its mission through grants, services, and advocacy for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities, and artists. MCC’s total budget for this fiscal year is $13.5 million, which includes a $12 million state appropriation and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. MCC also runs the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund in partnership with MassDevelopment.