Avesta Housing CEO resigns, will take new leadership role at Hancock Lumber

File Photo / Tim Greenway Rebecca Hatfield has joined Hancock Lumber in a senior leadership role.

Write a Comment

Casco-based Hancock Lumber has created a new role of chief strategy and revenue officer for Rebecca Hatfield, who has resigned as president and CEO of Avesta Housing effective Nov. 30.

Her hiring is part of the lumber company’s strategy to reposition itself as a “division-less” organization, which includes additional leadership changes to oversee its growth strategy.

Photo / Courtesy Hancock Lumber Co.

Kevin Hancock

“Rebecca brings a deep background in finance, strategy, housing, team building, organizational development, community outreach, public policy and more,” said Kevin Hancock, the firm's chairman and managing owner. “As a former housing CEO here in Maine, she is well connected, well versed, and highly committed to our state, region and industry.”

He continued, “Rebecca is also a big advocate for shared leadership, dispersed power and deep human engagement at work.”

Hatfield has had a career in finance, strategy, real estate development, construction services and property management — most recently serving as president and CEO of Avesta Housing since 2022.

She joined Avesta in 2015 as assets and acquisition officer. In 2021, Hatfield was named a Mainebiz Woman to Watch.

“During my nine years at Avesta, it has been an honor to work with such a talented and passionate team and with dedicated partners," Hatfield said in a statement provided by Avesta. "I am proud of what we have accomplished as we worked to promote and provide safe, quality, affordable homes for people in need ... My passion for people, housing, meaningful work and workplace culture aligns perfectly with Team Hancock’s mission and values.”

Hancock Lumber, which is based in Casco, has 627 Maine employees at 13 locations in the state, ranking it No. 5 among Maine's largest family-owned businesses, according to the list in the Nov. 4 Mainebiz print edition.

More leadership changes

The addition of Hatfield is part of a larger realignment of the executive team at Hancock Lumber.

Hillary Roy was named chief people officer after two decades of leadership experience with supermarket chain Hannaford. She joined Hancock Lumber in October. In addition to overseeing 15 stores with direct responsibility for employee experience, safety and talent development, Roy helped develop, launch and support HR programs across the entire Hannaford organization, according to a news release.

“Her extensive management and leadership roles at Hannaford will provide fresh insight and proven pathways to keep advancing our work culture and employee experience goals,” said Hancock.

Mark Hopkins was promoted to chief operating officer, representing a significant change in the executive team as it moves to a single, companywide chief operating officer position, according to the release.

Hopkins will assume direct responsibility for all locations to help drive a consistent experience across culture, people, safety, sales and operations.

He joined Hancock Lumber in 1996, working in Yarmouth, went on to become an account manager for many years and was named the Bridgton general manager in 2012. He transitioned to retail sales Manager in January 2015, then chief operating officer for retail later that year.

“He began his career at the front counter of our Yarmouth store and has consistently grown and gained leadership responsibility over time,” said Hancock.

Alignment across locations

“This expansion and realignment of our executive team strengthens and deepens our leadership capacity to serve the company’s needs as it evolves,” said Paul Wainman, Hancock Lumber’s president and CEO.

The restructuring is designed to help meet current and future business demands, execute strategic initiatives and foster collaboration and alignment across all locations in Maine and New Hampshire.

The company said it remains all-in on being a white pine manufacturer and adding value to those products, on servicing builders through its lumberyards and kitchen design showrooms, and on providing component manufacturing with trusses, wall panels and tiny homes.

Hancock Lumber announced last month that it planned to acquire Tiny Homes of Maine, based in the Aroostook County town of Dyer Brook.