Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.
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.
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.”
John Lewis, the new executive director of Mainebiz, has written a number of guest columns in Mainebiz on the topic of workforce development. Here's a sampling:
How Maine employers can bridge the skills gap and develop a workforce
Stop posting job descriptions. Sell the opportunity instead
How to engage parents and educators to build career awareness
Why the business community must lead the movement for education reform
How Maine employers can find workers amid the ‘silver tsunami’
The Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Learn MoreWork for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Learn MoreWhether you’re a developer, financer, architect, or industry enthusiast, Groundbreaking Maine is crafted to be your go-to source for valuable insights in Maine’s real estate and construction community.
Coming June 2025
Learn moreThe Giving Guide helps nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase and differentiate their organizations so that businesses better understand how they can contribute to a nonprofit’s mission and work.
Work for ME is a workforce development tool to help Maine’s employers target Maine’s emerging workforce. Work for ME highlights each industry, its impact on Maine’s economy, the jobs available to entry-level workers, the training and education needed to get a career started.
Whether you’re a developer, financer, architect, or industry enthusiast, Groundbreaking Maine is crafted to be your go-to source for valuable insights in Maine’s real estate and construction community.
Coming June 2025
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
In order to use this feature, we need some information from you. You can also login or register for a free account.
By clicking submit you are agreeing to our cookie usage and Privacy Policy
Already have an account? Login
Already have an account? Login
Want to create an account? Register
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Our privacy policy
To ensure the best experience on our website, articles cannot be read without allowing cookies. Please allow cookies to continue reading. Our privacy policy
0 Comments