SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — The Board of Directors of The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges has announced the appointment of Audrey Thomson to serve as the organization’s next president, effective Sept. 4.
Thomson brings to The Foundation 15 years of experience in higher education, non-profit and healthcare fundraising. Most recently, she has served as executive director of philanthropy with St. Mary’s and the Covenant Health Foundation in Lewiston. From 2006 to 2013 she served in senior fundraising positions at Virginia Commonwealth University.
“Audrey is a proven fundraiser who has the skills and experience to help us continue to support the critical work of Maine’s community colleges,” said John R. McKernan, Jr., chair of The Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We look forward to working with her to ensure that the colleges have the resources they need to help more Maine people and employers prosper.”
The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges was created in 2009. Through its philanthropic work on behalf of the state’s seven community colleges, it seeks to enhance access to higher education and economic opportunity and provide Maine employers with a highly trained and skilled workforce. Since its founding, it has raised $34.8 million to expand programs, strengthen student supports, and upgrade instructional equipment and technology.
“We are delighted to welcome Audrey to the important work of The Foundation,” noted Lisa Gorman, the vice chair of the board who led the search for the new president. “She shares our strong belief in the vital role that Maine’s community colleges play in the lives of Maine people and the future of the state’s economy.”
Maine’s seven community colleges serve nearly 30,000 individuals each year through degree and certificate programs, customized training, and non-credit offerings. Typically, over 90 percent of those served are Maine residents, and over 90 percentr of graduates remain in Maine after completing their degree.
More information about Maine’s community colleges is available at www.mccs.me.edu.
For more information about The Foundation, visit http://www.maineccfoundation.org.
