Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts announced the appointment of Sam Engle as its coordinator of communications and donor relations.
This newly created position comes as part of the organization’s recent leadership change, designed to strengthen its community engagement and donor outreach efforts.
In this capacity, Engle will work under the direction of Wagon Wheel’s new permanent leadership team, consisting of Scott Michaels, Jennifer Dow, Holly Lantz and Kira Lace Hawkins, to enhance communication strategies, develop donor relations and amplify the theater's impact across Northern Indiana.
Born and raised in Warsaw, Engle is excited to return to his hometown after working for The Walt Disney Company in Orlando, Fla., beginning in 2021, according to a news release from the Wagon Wheel. He holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Theatre Pedagogy from Southeastern Oklahoma University, and a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communications and Public Relations from Indiana Wesleyan University. With a background in organizational development, along with local ties, Engle brings a unique perspective and a renewed commitment to contributing to the Warsaw community, the release states.
“I believe in this community. I believe in this theater. More importantly, I believe in the transformative power of the arts and in the vital role that Wagon Wheel specifically plays in this community,” Engle said. “For 70 years, this theater has been a cornerstone of Warsaw, and I’m honored to build upon that legacy. I look forward to connecting with our patrons, supporters, and artists and to helping usher in the next generation of world-changing storytellers.”
As part of his role, Engle will focus on several key initiatives for the upcoming season:
• Fundraising and event coordination: Planning and executing donor events, managing logistics, and ensuring that donors are properly recognized for their support.
• Donor stewardship: Developing strategies to engage and update donors on the impact of their contributions, ensuring that each donor feels valued and informed.
• Community Engagement: Overseeing the organization’s social presence, curating content that reflects Wagon Wheel’s mission and connects with audiences.
For more information about Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts or to learn more about upcoming events, visit www.wagonwheelcenter.org.