Chris Pinkham

The new president comes from a background in business and industry leadership in New Hampshire. Current president Chris Pinkham is retiring after 41 years with the association, seeing it through numerous economic cycles.

The emergency loan program started last year with initial funding of $349 million, but in two weeks the money was gone. Businesses and banks had to scramble and get what they could. The PPP has been a lifesaver, but has also taught Mainers to learn and adapt.

Financial institutions in Maine were growing and expanding as the pandemic began, and have been able to maintain some of that momentum. Much of their work in 2021 will focus on helping Maine businesses get back on their feet.

Increasingly, women hold board and senior executive positions at Maine financial institutions, which they say not only reflects diverse stakeholders but also makes good business sense. Some portions of the glass ceiling, however, remain intact.

The heads of associations for Maine's hospitality, nonprofit, banking and credit union sectors tell Mainebiz what they want legislators in Washington and Augusta to tackle first when they next convene.