Heather Johnson, who has led the Maine Department of Economic and Development Agency since 2019, plans to step down on March 1, the governor’s office announced.
Johnson is leaving to pursue other professional opportunities, a spokesman for Gov. Janet Mills told Mainebiz without offering details.
“Heather’s leadership has been instrumental in bringing about Maine’s unprecedented economic growth,” Mills said in Monday’s announcement. “Her vision and work not only helped Maine’s economy survive the pandemic, but also thrive in its recovery.”
Mills gave Johnson a further shout-out for helping to promote Maine as “the best place to live, work, start a business and raise a family.”
Johnson’s accomplishments including spearheading Maine’s first economic development strategy in more than two decades — a 10-year-plan crafted in partnership with business, education and nonprofit leaders across the state.
Mills used the plan to craft the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan to put the state back on track after the pandemic by delivering hundreds of millions of dollars in relief to thousands of Maine small businesses, investing in workforce programs and providing job training to 26,000 Mainers.
Johnson said it has been her honor to serve Mills and Maine people over the past several years.
“Together, despite historic challenges, we have a built a stronger, more inclusive Maine economy,” she said. “I know there is always more work ahead, but I am proud of the progress we have made to strengthen Maine’s economic foundation.”
A successor has not yet been named.
If there is no nominee before Johnson’s departure, Mills will name an acting commissioner. Any candidate will be subject to a hearing in Augusta before the Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee and confirmation by the Maine State Senate.
Johnson is a University of Maine alumna whose previous experience includes stints at technology companies and in rural economic development. Previously, as director of the ConnectME Authority for more than seven years, she helped expand broadband connectivity in Maine