The Provincetown Business Guild — the nonprofit promoting and supporting P’town’s LGBTQ business community and host of Carnival and other popular events year-round — has a new executive director: Stephan Hengst, who officially takes the helm on January 31.
“After many years of visiting Provincetown as a tourist, I am thrilled to join the Provincetown community in a full-time capacity as the executive director of the PBG,” said Hengst in a PBG press release.
“I am excited to lead the PBG in our mission to ensure that Provincetown continues to be the premier destination for LGBTQ+ visitors globally. I look forward to working with our members, advertisers, sponsors, and local leadership to reinforce what makes Provincetown a one-of-a-kind destination where everyone can be themselves, and we can showcase the diversity of the queer community.”
Hengst has spent the last 20 years marketing and promoting premier attractions and destinations in New York, California, and Texas. In 2008, along with his husband Patrick Decker, he co-founded Big Gay Hudson Valley, an organization dedicated to keeping the community connected to the wide variety of LGBTQ+-owned and supportive businesses, events, resources, and happenings in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley.
He is the creator of original events, including the Queer Summer Nights series, The Hung With Care Holiday Burlesque Spectacular, and the BARNWOOD exhibition of gay erotic art. Hengst has also spent his career representing brands like Whole Foods Market, Stonyfield Farm, and The Culinary Institute of America and has been practicing real estate in the Hudson Valley for the past two years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stephan as our new Executive Director,” said Fred Latasa, PBG board president. “His breadth of experience in tourism marketing, community building, and event management are valuable skills for the PBG and the town as a whole. We look forward to continuing the great work of supporting local businesses and driving queer tourism to Provincetown under Stephan’s leadership.”
Hengst replaces Bob Sanborn, stepping down after three years serving as interim executive director and steering the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic.
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About the Provincetown Business Guild
The PBG is a nonprofit organization promoting and supporting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer business community in Provincetown, MA. The Guild is committed to improving the Provincetown community by advocating for the acceptance of diversity and tolerance through projects, programs, and education. The Guild welcomes residents and visitors to experience America’s first LGBTQ+ tourist destination. For more information about the Provincetown Business Guild, visit www.ptown.org and on Instagram @VisitPtown.
