Photo / Courtesy of City of South Portland
Lea Duffy
Updated: May 5, 2025
South Portland's new economic development chief brings varied industry experience
Less than a year after Lea Duffy joined the city of South Portland as economic development specialist, she has been promoted to the top post in the department.
The Pennsylvania native succeeds William Mann, who recently resigned as economic development director after seven years in the job.
Duffy is a former business owner, project manager and architect with 18 years of experience in the state of Washington advising clients on designing and permitting for various commercial projects. She has also worked as residential real estate agent in Oregon and Maine and in Oregon's hospitality industry, as both the owner of a bed-and-breakfast and a winery tasting room associate.
Duffy's interest in local economic development led her to serve as an economic development specialist with the town of Gorham in 2023, and then in South Portland the following year.
“Lea has without a doubt proven her economic development know-how and leadership abilities since starting with the city last year," said South Portland City Manager Scott Morelli.
“She has brought new energy and exciting ideas to the department, and I look forward to the positive impact she and her team will have working with key stakeholders to support and grow our business community here in South Portland,” he added.
Duffy was selected from a field of 35 applicants to lead the two-employee department, which has an operating budget this year of $355,971. She will be paid an annual salary of $100,971.
“It is an honor to have this opportunity to serve South Portland. It is a community that I have quickly grown to love,” she said. “I look forward to supporting existing businesses as well as the positive growth of our commercial sector. “
South Portland, which has a population of close to 27,000, said it plans to soon advertise the position that Duffy vacated.
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