Portland’s One Longfellow Square nonprofit music venue has named Doug Welch as its director of advancement.
Welch has more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including 17 years as executive director of the Maine Island Trail Association. During his tenure at MITA, the nonprofit experienced significant growth, with the organization’s operating budget more than doubling to surpass $1 million.
Prior to his tenure at MITA, Welch worked with the National Park Service to help develop the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, creating revenue-generating programming to support the park.
Welch replaces Beth Given-Sorensen, who after two and a half years with One Longfellow, accepted a role as executive director at Hewnoaks artist residency program in Lovell, Maine.
“I consider us very lucky that Doug was looking for a new chapter just as we were looking for a new team member to build on the success and growth of the past few years. Our neighbors are turning out to support artists and our venue, and Doug is an excellent addition to help us continue to broaden and deepen our relationships in the community,” said Emily Read, executive director of One Longfellow Square.
After an 18-month closure during the pandemic, One Longfellow Square launched a GoFundME campaign that brought in $121,775 from 1,400 donors.
In 2024, the organization had an annual operating budget of $1 million, according to the latest annual report on its website.
In recent years, Read said the 185-seat venue has seen strong momentum in contributed revenue. With Welch, she added, the nonprofit hopes to deepen donor relationships, strengthen the membership program and look for new opportunities for sustainable revenue.
Located at 181 State St., One Longfellow started in 2007 as a for-profit business and became a nonprofit in 2011.
