New leader of Manufacturers Association of Maine has been an advocate for workforce development
File photos
Mike Roughton, left, has passed the baton as executive director of the Manufacturers Association of Maine to John Lewis.
More Information
After three years at the helm of the Manufacturers Association of Maine, Mike Roughton has stepped down and passed the baton to John Lewis as new executive director.
As Roughton prepares for retirement in the midcoast town of St. George later this month, he will stay involved with the group in an advisory role "to support continuity and momentum," the Portland-based organization announced on Monday.
The change in leadership took effect June 1. It comes after Roughton helped boost membership by 12% over the past year to about 400, and given the trade group a higher profile across the state.
Roughton told Mainebiz on Monday that word of mouth tends to be the group’s best advertisement, followed by individuals who have seen the advocacy work and/or participated in one the group’s networking events.
“We’ve made significant progress over the last few years in strengthening MAME’s mission, programs and impact, and I couldn’t be more confident in handing the reins to John,” Roughton said.
Next chapter
Roughton said that Lewis's “deep commitment to Maine’s manufacturers, leadership on workforce strategy, and longstanding involvement with the association, make this a seamless and exciting transition.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built and look forward to supporting John and the board in the next chapter,' Roughton added.
Lewis, a regulator guest contributor to Mainebiz, brings nearly two decades of experience in workforce development, most recently serving as chair of the association’s Employer Growth Services workforce development committee and as co-founder and managing partner of Synergy Workforce Solutions LLC.
“A strong manufacturing workforce is the backbone of a strong economy,” Lewis said. “I’m honored to carry the torch forward and continue the important work Mike and the team have advanced. My focus will be on helping members strengthen their pipelines, telling their stories more powerfully, and ensuring their voices are heard from the shop floor to the state House.”
Mainebiz web partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments