🔒Startup Maine to start new chapter with first full-time leader

After a decade as volunteer president of Startup Maine, founder Katie Shorey is passing the baton to the group’s first full-time staff member while staying active on the board. Sarah Smith, most recently a Portland-based senior manager of innovation and partnerships at Venture Fuel, will lead Startup Maine’s next chapter as the organization's inaugural executive director. The staff position at the volunteer-powered nonprofit is made possible through a $325,000 matching grant from Maine Technology Institute. Startup Maine supports entrepreneurs across the state through an annual conference, meetups and other activities, connecting them with the resources they need to start and scale their businesses. “Since 2016, I’ve had the opportunity to help advance Startup Maine into what it is today,” Shorey said. “I’m deeply proud of the work we’ve done to support Maine’s startup ecosystem, and I’m excited to see Sarah step into the role of our first full-time executive director as the organization enters its next chapter.” Shorey, director of engagement for Live + Work in Maine, was honored by Mainebiz in 2025 as an Outstanding Woman in Business. Asked what it's been like passing the baton at Startup Maine, Shorey told Mainebiz that it has been "harder/weirder/more emotional than I thought it would be."

Helping businesses 'start and scale'

Smith, a graduate of Georgetown University, has worked “at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and community,” according to Wednesday’s announcement. At Startup Maine, “our goal is to help Maine companies start and scale more effectively by strengthening connections to customers, resources, opportunities and each other,” Smith said. “I look forward to working with our board to advance this mission over the coming years.” The leadership change comes less than four months before Startup Maine's annual flagship event, which is scheduled for May 18-21.