In 2024, Maine experienced significant leadership transitions across various sectors, reshaping the business and nonprofit landscape. The wave of retirements, resignations, and new appointments has left a lasting impact on organizations, prompting a reevaluation of strategies and operations.
Key Takeaways
- Leadership changes affected law firms, banks, nonprofits, healthcare institutions, and universities.
- Notable retirements and new appointments occurred in professional services, education, and financial sectors.
- The transitions reflect broader trends in workforce dynamics post-pandemic.
Professional Services Firms
The professional services sector saw a flurry of leadership changes:
- Brann & Isaacson: Martin Eisenberg stepped down as managing partner, with Stacy Stitham taking over on July 1.
- Preti Flaherty: Michael S. Smith was named managing partner effective July 15, succeeding David Van Slyke.
- Bernstein Shur: CEO Joan Fortin announced her departure at the end of 2024, with no successor named yet.
- Baker Newman Noyes: Dayton Benway will retire at the end of 2024, with Darren Hurlburt set to become president.
- Eaton Peabody: David Austin returned to practice after leading for 12 years, with Michael A. Hodgins stepping in as managing partner.
Educational Institutions
Leadership changes also swept through Maine’s universities:
- Maine Maritime Academy: Jerry Paul stepped down in May, with Craig Johnson as interim president.
- Husson University: Robert Clark retired, succeeded by Lynne Coy-Ogan on July 1.
- Northern Maine Community College: Tim Crowley retired after nearly four decades, with Angela Buck serving as interim.
- University of Maine: Norm O’Reilly transitioned to UNE Business School as dean.
- Thomas College: Laurie Lachance was succeeded by Jeannine Diddle Uzzi.
Nonprofits and Healthcare
The nonprofit and healthcare sectors also faced significant transitions:
- United Way of Southern Maine: CEO Liz Cotter Schlax will step down in January 2025.
- Avesta Housing: Rebecca Hatfield left to join Hancock Lumber.
- Penobscot Valley Hospital: Crystal Landry announced her departure, with Melissa Pelkey taking over in July.
- Center for Grieving Children: Gretchen Johnson became the new director, succeeding Anne Heros.
- Maine Cancer Foundation: Co-founder Julie Marchese stepped down, with no successor named yet.
Business Sector Changes
The business landscape in Maine also saw notable leadership shifts:
- SMRT Architects and Engineers: Ellen Belknap retired in January, with Brad Hodges as her successor.
- Consigli Construction: Matt Tonello transitioned to a client relationship role, with Dave Thomas succeeding him.
- ReVision Energy: Fortunat Mueller took a sabbatical, with Daniel Clapp leading in the interim.
- Geiger: David Geiger will become president in January 2025, while Jo-an Lantz remains CEO.
- Maine Trust for Local News: Lisa DeSisto resigned, with Stefanie Manning set to replace her.
Financial Services Leadership
The financial services sector is also undergoing significant changes:
- Acadia Federal Credit Union: David Desjardins will retire on July 1, 2025, with Joey Cannan as his successor.
- Kennebunk Savings: Bradford Paige will retire at the end of the year, with Lex Meagher taking over.
- Maine Community Bank: Jeanne Hulit plans to retire following a merger with Gorham Savings.
- Skowhegan Savings: David Cyr will retire at the end of 2025, with Dan Tilton taking over as president and CEO.
Government and Quasi-Government Changes
Leadership transitions were also evident in government roles:
- Health and Human Services: Jeanne Lambrew resigned, with Sara Gagne-Holmes as interim commissioner.
- New town managers were appointed in several Maine towns, including Freeport and Yarmouth.
- Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission: Paul Schumacher retired, with Stephanie Carver as his successor.
- Maine Port Authority: Matthew Burns left his position, returning to the Maine Department of Transportation.
These leadership transitions reflect a broader trend of change and adaptation in Maine’s business environment, as organizations navigate the post-pandemic landscape and prepare for future challenges.
