Courtesy / Wayside
Meghann Gorden, CEO of Wayside Publishing
Updated: February 29, 2024
Freeport-based Wayside Publishing names a CEO, acquires a company
By William Hall
A Maine publisher that's been turning out textbooks for over 30 years has begun a new chapter, after naming its first-ever CEO and announcing a business acquisition — both within the past two weeks.
Wayside Publishing, headquartered in Freeport, has promoted Meghann Gorden to chief executive officer, the company announced Feb. 15.
Wayside specializes in language-learning publications, in print and digital forms.
Gorden previously worked as vice president of technology and operations. She began with Wayside in 2019 as director of product development and delivery.
Her prior experience includes nine years with Consolidated Communications, and she holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Maine.
Wayside's president, Greg Greuel, said, "Meg has shattered glass ceilings and will undoubtedly continue to achieve remarkable feats. I am proud to see her at the helm of the company. Her leadership will undoubtedly steer us toward great accomplishments."
Gorden said, "Assuming the mantle of CEO is an immense honor, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity. Under Greg's guidance, Wayside has evolved into one of the most respected entities in the Language Learning Ed-Tech sector. As CEO, my commitment is unwavering in propelling Wayside Publishing to new levels of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth."
On Thursday morning, Gorden had an announcement of her own: Wayside has acquired an educational technology company, Nualang, which is focused on developing high-end tech tools for world language classrooms.
Terms were not disclosed. Nualang is headquarterd in Dublin, Ireland, and has offices in New York City.
Gorden said, “Wayside Publishing's strategic acquisition of Nualang represents a significant investment in advancing language education. Nualang's high-end tools, designed for interactive and immersive language learning experiences, will be integrated to enhance Wayside Publishing's existing language learning solutions.
"The collaboration aims to deliver dynamic and engaging learning experiences, fostering improved language proficiency for educators and students.”
With the acquisition, Wayside now has roughly 160 employees worldwide, spokeswoman Cristina Flores‑Girnus told Mainebiz.
The company's annual sales are now approaching $50 million.
Wayside was founded in 1988. Greuel bought the company from his uncle in 2010, when it was a one-man regional operation with $500,000 in annual sales. In 2017, Mainebiz reported, Wayside employed 18 people in Freeport with plans to hire more, and expected sales that year of $7 million.
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