40 Under 40: Tom Kittredge is an investment officer with a love for salt water

PHOTO / Tim Greenway Tom Kittredge is senior investment officer at Maine Technology Institute.

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Tom Kittredge, 36 Senior investment officer, Maine Technology Institute Read about all the 40 Under 40 honorees and a special event to recognize them.
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Significant professional accomplishment: Becoming an active contributor and leader within Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As chair of Startup Maine, leader of the Maine Accelerates Growth initiative, and senior investment officer at Maine Technology Institute, it’s been incredible to have a meaningful impact on the trajectory of both individual Maine companies and the broader ecosystem.

Passion project: For the past few years, I have been chair of the board of the New School, a democratic, independent high school in Kennebunk. It’s been deeply rewarding to watch our students grow and thrive in that environment.

On a personal level, I set myself the goal of jumping in the ocean for 100 straight days this summer and I’m on track to finish by early September.

‘Lightbulb’ moment: Most of my 20s were spent in the human rights and international education sectors. During my time working at the Council on International Exchange, I helped facilitate a program on social entrepreneurship. This was my first meaningful exposure to the idea of leveraging business approaches to address social and environmental issues and it inspired me to go get an MBA with a focus on social entrepreneurship and innovation.

Favorite quote: The quote I have been dwelling on recently is “Look to this day, for it is life,” from the “Salutation to the Dawn.” The poem played a recurring role in my childhood, and at a time when the future can appear daunting and uncertain, it’s a reminder to savor the beauty of today.

Influential book: Not sure if this qualifies as most influential, but the “Lord of the Rings” is my most revisited trilogy. “Catch-22,” “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and “Leaves of Grass” are also favorites.

Favorite movie, TV show or podcast: “Arrested Development.” It’s an ageless and brilliant commentary on family dynamics, wealth and privilege and why you should always leave a note.

Best way to recharge: Hiking, playing and watching soccer, pickleball, the New York Times crossword (my partner and I are on a two-year solving streak), swimming and hosting dinner parties.

At age 60: Life has taught me that it’s difficult to predict that far out, but I suspect as long as I have access to salt water and time with loved ones, I’ll be content.