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Mills' financial services commissioner Figueroa to retire this fall

By Alexis Wells

Gov. Janet Mills announced Tuesday that Kristen Figueroa, commissioner of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, will retire later this year after a long career. 

File photo
Kirsten Figueroa, Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services

Figueroa will retire from her position as commissioner on Oct. 31.

Since being nominated by Mills in January 2019, Figueroa has overseen two dozen state and highway fund budgets, built up the state's "rainy day fund" to a record $1.03 billion, secured regular increases to the state’s credit rating due to strong and responsible fiscal management and increased wages for state employees by at least 24%, according to the news release.

“The job of DAFS Commissioner is one of the most challenging in state service, and Kirsten has done an exceptional job," said Mills. "I am deeply sad to lose her, but it is in large part because of her that the state of Maine is in such good financial shape and that we were able to accomplish so much. I wish her the best as she enters her well-deserved retirement, and I thank her for all she has done over her stellar career to serve the people of Maine.”

Mills appointed Elaine Clark, deputy commissioner of operations, to serve as acting commissioner upon Figueroa's departure. The commissioner's position is a cabinet-level appointment, subject to a hearing before the Legislature’s appropriations committee and confirmation by the Maine State Senate.

"I am so proud of all we have accomplished under Gov. Mills’ leadership — investing in the health and welfare of Maine people, boosting our economy, balancing every budget, enhancing our credit ratings, and increasing the Budget Stabilization Fund to its record high,” said Figueroa.

“I leave knowing that the state is on solid financial footing, and I feel deeply grateful to have fought for the interests of more than 12,000 state employees, folks who work tirelessly day in and day out for the people of Maine," she continued. "I thank the governor for this incredible opportunity, and I thank the people of Maine for allowing me to serve them.” 

Experience

Prior to serving as commissioner, Figueroa served as chief of administrative services in the attorney general’s office. She previously served as the finance director for the Office of Information Technology and as the director of administrative services for the Division of Financial and Personnel Services.

In addition to these roles, she served as the chief financial officer of the Dirigo Health Agency and the deputy commissioner of finance for the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, overseeing and managing the department’s $3.3 billion budget, as well as its accounting and audit functions.

She also served as the chief financial officer of Avesta Housing and as the director of the Energy and Housing Services Program for the Maine State Housing Authority.

The Litchfield and Topsham native received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maine and her bachelor's degree in accounting from Southern New Hampshire University.

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