The Somerville Media Center announces that Sean Effel will join the organization as its new executive director on September 3, 2024.  Sean brings 20 years of PEG access experience, nonprofit leadership and management know-how, and two decades of insight as a resident of the City of Somerville.  “Our board believes Sean is a great fit for the needs of our organization at this time,” said Jesse Buckley, President of the Board of Directors.

Somerville Media Center, a 501c3 public access media organization founded in 1983, offers training and technology for Somerville residents, organizations, and businesses to contribute to public discourse and civic life.  Among SMC’s primary services are experiential learning programs for youth and adults, technical training and enrichment programs, access to high end media production technologies, and access to Comcast and RCN cable channels and streaming services for distributing community-produced content.

 

“The board conducted a public search and reviewed hundreds of applications for our executive director position,” said Buckley. “In the process, we learned a lot about the shared challenges in the access sector and the opportunities in front of SMC to grow and change. Our personnel committee interviewed many finalists and unanimously recommended Sean Effel to the board in June.”

 

“I jumped at the opportunity to build something new for Somerville,” said Executive Director Sean Effel.  Sean contracted with Somerville Media Center in February to serve as project manager for the planned construction of SMC’s future facility.  Sean is a former co-executive director of Cambridge Camping Association and former deputy director at Cambridge Community Television.  Effel said, “I am a longtime proponent and evangelist of the access mission and moving to a leadership role at SMC feels like a natural fit.”

 

Somerville Media Center left its longtime home in the heart of Union Square and is working with architects at Studio Troika to build out a new state-of-the-art facility on the Somernova campus on Properzi Way in 2024.  This challenge, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the media landscape, led SMC to develop a three year strategic plan that will refocus the organization on strong management, delivering valuable services, and creating positive outcomes for the community at large.  

 

“Somerville Media Center was the first access television station in Massachusetts and the organization is well positioned to continue providing services as media and community evolves before our eyes again.  Sean joins us at the right time to support the success of our new efforts.” said Buckley.

 

“I’m excited to contribute to the community where my family lives and to have an impact on the quality of life we all share here in the city,” said Effel.

 

Sean Effel will be on board starting September 3 and can be reached at sean@somervillemedia.org.