First Annual Meeting Under New Executive Director Highlights Facility Upgrades and Strong Financials
The Worcester County Mechanics Association, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates Mechanics Hall, marked a year of growth, artistry, and community impact at its 182nd annual meeting on September 30, 2025. The gathering, the first under new Executive Director Meghan Montaner, featured inspiring performances including Lift Me Up performed by soloists from Many Voices: Mechanics Hall Youth Singers, and Song of the Black Swan, performed by cellist Sofia Hernandez-Williams and pianist Amy Lee. The association also presented the Worcester County Mechanics Association Master Mechanic Award to Paul Levenson, executive director of the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra and a longtime advocate for cultural enrichment and historic preservation in Worcester.
The meeting was called to order by President Peter Thomas and included votes to approve Officers and Trustees for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and reports from the Governance and Finance Committees. In his remarks, Thomas lauded the enduring participation from members and donors who provide support for the operations, maintenance and community event programs at Mechanics Hall. Thomas also noted the successful transition of leadership to Meghan Montaner, who assumed the role of executive director in July following the retirement of Kathleen Gagne earlier this summer.
Before presenting the Master Mechanic Award, Montaner shared progress on several initiatives, beginning with the restoration of two “legacy” portraits in the Hall’s collection, advancing the Portraits Project. Well known for the installation of three new portraits early last year, the Project also includes the long-term restoration of the Hall’s other portraits. Montaner also highlighted the completion of a comprehensive lighting upgrade, which increased the quality and versatility of lighting schemes in both the Great Hall and Washburn Hall, as well as the completion of a multi-year, state-of-the-art sound installation. Montaner also shared that priorities for the fiscal year 2025-2026 include an increase in programming at Mechanics Hall and effort to draw new patrons to the venue with a more diverse range of performances and programs, including educational offerings. She also hopes to find new ways to tell the nearly 170-year story of Mechanics Hall. “We have an incredible story to tell – a story about how critical Mechanics Hall and the Worcester County
Mechanics Association have been in creating a thriving community here in central Massachusetts. Our story is about to get a whole new chapter.”
Financial highlights for the fiscal year 2024-2025 were reported by Treasurer Anthony Consolmagno. Operating revenue of nearly $2.4 million reflected a 12% increase from budget, driven by a 7% year-over-year increase in event revenue rental and a 124% increase in gifts and grant revenues. The revenue successes more than offset increased expenses and contributed to an overall net income improvement, helping to reduce a budgeted loss of $241,000 down to $197,000. Consolmagno added that with $5.6 million in financial reserves – a 6% increase during the year – “the financial health of the Worcester County Mechanics Association is strong.”
Officers elected for one-year terms included Peter Thomas, President; Andrew Joyce, Treasurer; Evan Maloney, Clerk; and Vice Presidents Jennifer Antkowiak, Bruce Ellis, James Goldsberry, Gloria D. Hall, Victoria Mariano, Scott Ober, and Liz Parker Gagne. The following trustees were elected to first, three-year terms: Anthony Consolmagno, Fallon Health; Jamie Leehy, Reliant Medical Group. Patricia Davidson, Mirick O’Connell and Margaret Wong, Quinsigamond Community College were elected to second three-year terms. Trustee service completions included David Chearo, Ellen Conte, John Daniels, Deborah Packard, Elaine McKenna-Yeaw, and Diane Giampa, with former trustees Kathryn Crockett and David Smith named as Honorary Trustees.
About the Master Mechanic Award
Since 2002, the Master Mechanic Award has been given to individuals or organizations who epitomize the quality of excellence – a quality that is the foundation of the Worcester County Mechanics Association, as well as a thriving community. Established in 1842, the Mechanics Association was originally an educational and charitable organization that fostered skills in the mechanical arts, meeting a vital need in the new industrial age. However, the Mechanics were also committed to engaging the entire community with cultural and social ideals. Offering a forum for education and self-improvement, the Mechanics provided access to great music and books, political ideas and social reform issues, and scientific thought and technological achievements. The Master Mechanic Award honors today’s “Mechanics” by recognizing innovation, enterprise, and leadership that contribute to creating a culture of excellence in Central Massachusetts. The2025 recipient, Paul Levenson, has served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra since 1980. A Worcester native, Levenson graduated cum laude from Worcester Academy and earned his A.B. magna cum laude from Brown University. He went on to earn his J.D. from Duke University School of Law and clerked for the Hon.
Joseph Weisberger, Associate Justice (later Chief Justice) of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Levenson practiced law in Boston for 23 years while simultaneously managing the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra.
His parallel career in music began early – winning the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition as a high school student and later studying percussion at Tanglewood.
In addition to his Symphony leadership, Levenson helped spearhead the Symphony’s acquisition and restoration of Worcester’s Tuckerman Hall and has served on numerous boards, including the Salvation Army of Worcester and Friends of Institute Park, which he co-founded. His contributions have long been recognized, including the Worcester Telegram & Gazette’s Visions 2000 Cultural Enrichment Award.
About the Worcester County Mechanics Association and Mechanics Hall
Steeped in the rich history of 19th century Worcester, Mechanics Hall is internationally regarded as one of the world’s great concert halls. Regionally, it is a meeting place beloved for the central New England location, its architecture, and the legacy of prominent figures engaged. The world’s most renowned orchestras and performers – including the London Philharmonic, Yo-Yo Ma, Ella Fitzerald, and Linda Ronstadt – have taken the Hall’s stage. Among the many luminaries who have spoken at Mechanics Hall are Charles Dickens, Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and Mark Twain. In addition to serving as a premiere venue and recording site, Mechanics Hall offers inspiring cultural experiences for diverse audiences through a variety of creative initiatives, including free concerts, community events, a youth chorus, and collaborative programs with local colleges and nonprofit organizations.
Mechanics Hall is a nonprofit organization owned and operated by the Worcester County Mechanics Association, est. 1842. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn more at MechanicsHall.org.
Downloadable Photos:
Cellist Sofia Hernandez-Williams Performs at Mechanics Hall Annual Meeting
