AMHERST — A Pelham resident and Hampshire College graduate who brings extensive experience as a leader of nonprofits is Amherst Media’s new executive director.
Rachel Figurasmith, a disability inclusion advocate and longtime educator who serves on the Pelham School Committee, began her tenure at the cable access nonprofit on Monday.
A queer mom of three, Figurasmith anticipates focusing on centering equity during the transition, while supporting and stabilizing the community organization located in the Slobody Building at 101 University Drive.
“I’m excited to be joining Amherst Media and continuing the legacy of critical community work during this period of transition in our town and country,” Figurasmith said.
Previously the executive director at Repair the World Brooklyn and Repair the World Harlem, and interim executive director at the National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance, Figurasmith takes over for Yanna Ok, the interim executive director since late last summer. Ok is staying on as a consultant.
Ok assumed the role after Jim Lescault, executive director for 17 years, was ousted from the position for unspecified reasons.
Amherst Media Board President Vira Douangmany said Figurasmith comes on as the organization, which recently signed a three-year extension on its current site, seeks partners for using and sharing equipment and technical training, and as the board evaluates the Main Street land it owns where plans have included construction of a new, $1.3 million headquarters.
Previously, the organization announced the building would be named after late Amherst resident Demetria Rougeaux Shabazz, but uncertainty remains about whether that project will happen.
Douangmany said it’s important to continue the current work Amherst Media does.
“We want to build inroads with the community, that we get full backing from the community and not be a controversial endeavor,” Douangmany said.
Amherst Media is funded through cable fees and focuses on government transparency, broadcasting Town Council, School Committee, Planning Board, Finance Committee and other meetings through its public access channels and YouTube. Its studios have been used for television production training and for community members interested in hosting programs.
A new executive director is coming on board a year before the town will be negotiating a 10-year license renewal with Comcast.
Meanwhile, Douangmany praised Ok for her courageous leadership and fidelity to the nonprofit organization, including the annual gala.
“In that time, Amherst Media boosted our partnerships and collaborations with local groups and organizations, and strengthened our relationship with the town of Amherst,” Douangmany said. “We held the finest gala ever, bringing together former board members, employees, and interns, along with a broad cross section of residents to celebrate community media, and continuing the tradition of shining light to those who uplift Amherst through the coveted Jean Haggerty Award.”
The award will next be given out during this year’s gala, scheduled for the evening of Nov. 1 at the auditorium at the Campus Center at the University of Massachusetts.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman, in a statement, also thanked Ok for maintaining Amherst Media’s profile in the community.
“With her upbeat optimism and strong work ethic, she built a strong working relationship with the town,” Bockelman said. “Under her leadership, Amherst Media, in partnership with the Amherst Historical Society created the landmark exhibit ‘Cambodians in Amherst: The History of the Khmer Community’ which elevated the lives and experiences of the Cambodian community in Amherst.”
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
