Sanctuary for Independent Media Names Ren Lee as New Executive Director

Troy community media organization strengthens leadership as it enters 20th anniversary year.

TROY, NY – August 6, 2025 – The Sanctuary for Independent Media today announced the appointment of Ren Lee (they/she) as Executive Director, marking a new chapter for the Troy-based community arts and media organization as it celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025.

Lee’s appointment comes at a critical time when the Sanctuary’s core work – independent media, environmental education, and community organizing – faces mounting political and funding pressures.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ren Lee to lead the Sanctuary into this next chapter. Ren brings real experience in the hard work of building trust and sharp instincts about how much the landscape has changed for all community organizations. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, that urgency to show up for those who have often been pushed aside is the kind of leadership that is needed. Ren is that kind of leader.” said Dan Lyles, Board President. “Ren brings a clarity of vision and a grounded, human approach to advancing the mission of our organization. We are all excited to see how Ren’s experience will advance our work in social and environmental justice.”

Lee brings nearly a decade of nonprofit management experience, most recently as Programs Manager at the Museum Association of New York, where they managed strategic partnerships with major institutions including The Smithsonian and Humanities New York. Their background navigating federal funding cuts and organizational transitions directly aligns with current challenges facing nonprofit organizations.

A Troy resident who first discovered the Sanctuary as an event attendee, Lee brings both professional credentials and authentic community connection to the role. They hold a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from George Washington University and certifications in Change Leadership, Nonprofit Management, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

“I’m honored to join the Sanctuary for Independent Media at this pivotal moment in both the organization’s history and our nation’s trajectory,” said Lee. “The Sanctuary’s 20-year legacy of using art and media to amplify marginalized voices and drive social change has never been more critical.”

Lee’s entrepreneurial experience includes co-founding Agate Creatives, a BIPOC-run organization challenging predominantly white institutional structures in nonprofit spaces, and founded CAMPout, a professional development network for LGBTQ+ professionals in cultural organizations.

The Sanctuary operates from a transformed historic church campus in North Central Troy, featuring WOOC 105.3 FM community radio, the NATURE Lab environmental education facility, Collard City Growers urban gardens, and Freedom Square performance space. Since 2005, the organization has hosted over 1,000 events combining arts, science, and community organizing.

“I look forward to working with the board, staff, and community to build on this foundation as we enter our next chapter,” Lee added.

About the Sanctuary for Independent Media Founded in 1977 as Media Alliance and relocated to North Troy, New York in 2005, The Sanctuary for Independent Media uses art, science, and participatory action to promote social and environmental justice and freedom of creative expression. Housed in a transformed century-old church located at 3361 6th Avenue in Troy, NY, the Sanctuary’s work centers on amplifying marginalized voices and addressing systemic inequities. For more information, visit mediasanctuary.org.