Steven Fenton

Steven is a nonprofit operations specialist with 17 years of experience across roles in higher education and the arts. With a background in development, communications, and volunteer management, Steven first joined NEFA in April 2014 as the executive assistant. In addition to his work with Executive Director Cathy Edwards and NEFA’s Board, Steven grew his portfolio to include coordination of NEFA’s human resources and operations work. After six years of building out NEFA’s human resources infrastructure, Steven was named the organization’s first Human Resources & Operations Director. As Director, Steven was charged with developing innovative, human-centered systems and processes for staff performance, engagement, compensation, benefits, recruitment, and operational issues and initiatives. In 2025, Steven was appointed NEFA’s Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Steven leads all administrative functions within the organization ensuring NEFA’s systems and processes operate strategically and in alignment with NEFA’s values. While directing all human resources activity, Steven partners closely with staff leadership and teams in finance and technology and data to develop strategic solutions to administrative challenges. Steven received a B.A. in Art History from the University of Vermont (UVM) and is a member of the Advisory Board of UVM’s School of the Arts. Steven is deeply involved in the local arts scenes in both Boston and Provincetown, MA, with particular interest in film, dance, and theater.  

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