Former president and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine joins FocusMaine board
Photo/ Courtesy of FocusMaine
From 2015 until early 2025, Liz Cotter Schlax served as president and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine,
FocusMaine, a private-sector organization working to create jobs in the food economy and bioeconomy, has added former president and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine, Liz Cotter Schlax, to its board.
"FocusMaine has made important contributions to Maine’s economy by targeting job growth in the critical life sciences and food sectors, as well as supporting workforce development across the state," said Cotter Schlax. "I’m proud to join this exceptional group of staff and board leaders, and to help shape FocusMaine’s future."
In June 2024, Cotter Schlax, who was honored as a Mainebiz Woman to Watch in 2019, announced plans to step down as president and CEO in January 2025.
Since 2015, Cotter Schlax had served as president and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine. The organization, with $8 million in annual revenue, serves 500,000 residents of York and Cumberland counties to improve people’s lives and achieve long-lasting community change in the areas of youth opportunity, financial security, health and community resiliency.
Cotter Schlax previously led fundraising and marketing teams at the United Way of Central Iowa and the United Way of Dane County (Wisc.), and guided college-aged students through an experiential education curriculum in twelve countries with Up with People.
"Liz brings a depth of non-profit, mission-driven leadership skills to our board that will help to advance our work in building a strong, resilient economic future for Maine," said Andrea Cianchette Maker, president, co-chair and co-founder of FocusMaine.
The Waterville native holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Harvard University and a master of business administration from Columbia University.
She serves on the University of Southern Maine’s board of visitors, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and Maine Medical Center’s Program & Planning committee.
FocusMaine works to create quality jobs and build a thriving workforce statewide. With an emphasis on innovation and future-readiness, FocusMaine partners with the Maine Aquaculture Association, Coastal Enterprises Inc., Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, New England Ocean Cluster, SEA Maine, Educate Maine and other organizations.
Mainebiz web partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments