Photo / Courtesy, Maine Defense Industry Alliance
Mark Winter
October 24, 2024
Maine Defense Industry Alliance names its first program director
A retired U.S. Navy officer and former commandant of midshipmen at Maine Maritime Academy has been hired as the first program director of the newly formed Maine Defense Industry Alliance.
Former Navy Capt. Mark Winter will coordinate all efforts across state government, institutions of higher education and Maine defense companies.
“Mark’s extensive background, ranging from naval service to legislative expertise, uniquely positions him to spearhead our mission of strengthening Maine’s defense industry,” said Coleman Lapointe, MDIA board of directors co-chair.
“His deep connections within both Maine and Washington, D.C., along with his proven track record in workforce development and industrial base analysis, promise to drive significant advancements in our state’s contribution to national defense.”
MDIA is a nonprofit coalition of Maine defense companies, community colleges and universities, state agencies and the Navy, trying to increase employee training opportunities to meet the critical demand for skilled workers at Maine defense companies. They include employers such as General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Pratt & Whitney, and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
The alliance was launched in March.
The Maine defense companies say they need to hire at least 8,000 new employees and provide additional training to 10,000 current employees over the next five years.
Winter joins the MDIA after serving as commandant and vice president of student affairs at MMA. Prior to that, he served as counsel for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in Washinton, D.C., and Maine. He also has worked as a civilian attorney in the Navy and in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Portland.
Previously, he had a 30-year career in the Navy, both on active duty and in the reserves, retiring as a captain in 2018.
“Mark’s accomplishments and deep relationship throughout the state will position him and MDIA for success in attracting defense interest in Maine’s workforce,” said Craig Johnson, MMA interim president.
“Maine Maritime Academy was fortunate to benefit from those relationships and we look forward to continuing to build out our presence supplying defense and maritime workforce training.”
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