FocusMaine, a private-sector-led initiative founded in 2014 to create jobs in Maine, plans to beef up its leadership.
Kimberly Hamilton, president of the organization, said in a news release that FocusMaine has hired Toby Ahrens, who previously worked at the Los Angeles-based Larta Institute, as its new program director. Ahrens’ professional experience includes a combination of developing technology, raising capital, and managing programs to commercialize biobased products.
“Toby’s unique background and understanding of our signature sectors makes him uniquely qualified to lead our programs. His national experience and local knowledge are great assets as we work with our partners to further our mission,” Hamilton said.
FocusMaine also added three Maine leaders to its leadership team, an advisory board.
They are Jay Dearborn, president of the corporate payments division at Portland-based WEX Inc.; Joan Ferrini-Mundy, president of the University of Maine and the University of Maine at Machias; and Edward McKersie, president and founder of Pro Search Inc., a staffing and recruiting firm, and president and founder of Live + Work in Maine.
FocusMaine’s mission is to “strengthen and revitalize opportunity and prosperity in Maine by accelerating the growth of jobs in select signature industries that have high potential to create Maine jobs on a sustainable basis.”
