Hannah Pingree resigns from Mills administration to ‘explore new opportunities’

File photo / Tim Greenway Hannah Pingree served as the director of the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

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By Alexis Wells

Hannah Pingree, former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and leader of the governor's policy office since 2019, announced she is stepping down today from her post in the Mills administration.

Pingree served as director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

"I'm so grateful to Gov. [Janet] Mills for the tremendous opportunity she gave me to dive into Maine's biggest challenges and lead work across her administration to chart a path to solutions," said Pingree in a prepared release.

"As I explore new opportunities, I will remain relentlessly focused on the future of the state we all love," she added.

While no reason was given for Pingree's departure, the resignation fueled speculation that she may run for governor in 2026. Pingree, whose mother is U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, served in the Maine House of Representatives from 2002-11. She has a business background in hospitality.

In the policy office, Pingree has worked to address climate change and housing and labor shortages.

The next director

Mills named Sarah Curran to succeed Pingree as director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. Curran has served as deputy director since 2021.

During her time with the department, she led its climate change planning and community partnership programs.