MECEP director St. John to retire
Christopher "Kit" St. John, executive director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy, will step down at the end of this year.
St. John helped to found the Augusta-based liberal think tank in 1994 as a way to ensure that the interests of low- and moderate-income families were represented in state budget debates, according to a press release from MECEP. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a staff of one with an annual budget of $50,000 to a staff of six with a $675,000 annual budget. The organization has worked on initiatives related to health care access, taxes, livable wages and sustainable development. In the release, St. John, 65, said it was time to "hand the reins to younger imaginations." The board has launched a national search for a new executive director. He told the Bangor Daily News he plans to spend more time with friends and on his hobbies, including practicing and teaching meditation.
St. John moved to Maine in 1975 and took a job at Pine Tree Legal Assistance, where he worked for 17 years before becoming a lobbyist. He has served on numerous state boards and commissions, including the Maine Health Care Access Foundation board and the Commission to Study Maine Hospitals, according to the release. St. John and his colleagues at MECEP write a column for Mainebiz called Public Engagement, which alternates with the Maine Heritage Policy Center.
Both of the think tanks will soon see new leaders. MHPC CEO Tarren Bragdon announced earlier this month he will leave in May to establish a similar organization in Florida.
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