Former Avesta Housing CEO joins Portland Trails as interim director

File Photo / Jim Neuger Dana Totman is an avid hiker who solo hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1974.

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Dana Totman, the former CEO of Avesta Housing, has accepted the role of interim executive director at Portland Trails.

Portland Trails is a nonprofit that maintains an urban trail network in greater Portland to make the city a more walkable, bikeable and sustainable place. Its roots date back to 1976, when Forest City Land Trust was formed by Portland native Tom Jewell, a lawyer. In 1991, Donna Larson became the first executive director and the 3.6 miles that encompasses Back Cove's were grandfathered into the Portland Trails system.

“With a passion for both nonprofits and walking trails, I feel truly privileged to be able to join the Portland Trails organization,” said Totman. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, the value and need for accessible outdoor recreation has never been higher. I look forward to helping Portland Trails continue their tremendous service to area residents.”

“The board and staff are all looking forward to getting to work with, and learn from, Dana,” said Portland Trails Board Chair Kate O’Brien, who noted Totman's reputation as a nonprofit leader.

As the CEO of Avesta Housing for 22 years, Totman led the organization through significant growth. Affordable homes in the portfolio increased from 700 to 3,200, and assets grew from $60 million to $350 million.

Totman, retired from Avesta in September 2022, was the founder of the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition and created Maine’s First Housing "first communities" for homeless individuals. Totman was also the deputy director of the Maine State Housing Authority from 1994 to 2000 and was executive director of the Coastal Economic Development Corp. from 1984 to 1994.

His work has been recognized with several awards, including M ainebiz 2013 Business Leader of the Year.

Totman is an avid hiker who hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1974.

The board of trustees has begun a search for the new, permanent executive director and plans to post the position later this month.