HospitalityMaine CEO resigns; ops director takes interim role

File photo / Tim Greenway Matt Lewis served as president and CEO of HospitalityMaine for two years.

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After only two years at the helm of HospitalityMaine, Matt Lewis has resigned as president and CEO, the Augusta-based trade association announced Friday.

“It has been a distinct pleasure to have led HospitalityMaine for the past two years,” Lewis said in a statement. “I have grown tremendously in this role and will always be honored to have been offered the CEO position.”

Lewis has not said where he is going, according to Kathleen Pierce, the organization's director of member experience.

HospitalityMaine's board of directors has not announced a replacement. Becky Jacobson, the group’s director of operations, has stepped in to take an interim leadership role until a suitable replacement is found.

“I have very much enjoyed working with Matt Lewis these past two years and completely respect and understand his decision to move on," said Matthew Levin, HospitalityMaine's board chairman. “I look forward to working with Becky Jacobson during this interim period. She is an industry veteran and association stalwart."

HospitalityMaine is the nonprofit trade group representing some 1,200 hospitality businesses in Maine.

Lewis, a California hospitality industry veteran, was executive director of Visit Richmond CA before taking the job with HospitalityMaine. He succeeded Steve Hewins in February 2021, just as the sector's rebound from the pandemic’s darkest days began.

In an "On the Record" interview with Mainebiz in May 2021, Lewis said it was an honor to lead HospitalityMaine, "with many opportunities and challenges ahead."

His departure comes amid a bullish outlook for the sector nationwide and in Maine, albeit with lingering staffing challenges.