The Maine Association of Nonprofits has chosen Creative Portland Executive Director Jennifer Hutchins to replace its outgoing executive director, Scott Schnapp, who is stepping down in July after 14 years as head of the organization.

Hutchins brings more than 20 years of experience serving the nonprofit community both in Maine and Washington, D.C., the association said in a news release. She will join the organization on July 18.

Hutchins said Monday that she sees the new position as an opportunity to help nonprofit organizations solve problems and capitalize on opportunities throughout the state. She said she plans to tackle issues by bringing together people from the philanthropic, entrepreneurial and government sectors to work collectively.

“The biggest opportunity for me is to broaden my impact by serving all of Maine,” Hutchins said. “I feel very passionately about all of the issues impacting communities in Maine.”

Hutchins has been executive director of Creative Portland, a nonprofit established by the city of Portland in 2008 to capitalize upon and grow Portland’s creative economy, since December 2010. Prior to that, she was director of communications and external affairs for the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service. Hutchins also has served as marketing director of Portland Stage Co. and worked for People For the American Way in Washington, D.C.

“We are thrilled to have Jennifer as our next executive director,” said Doug Woodbury, president of the association’s board of directors, in the release. “Jennifer has a unique blend of experience with the creative economy, workforce development and entrepreneurship, all of which will help (the association) expand its offerings and increase value for the sector. She’s a proven cross-sector leader, a disciplined manager and a champion for Maine.”

As executive director, Hutchins will oversee an organization that is dedicated to advancing, connecting and strengthening Maine’s nonprofits. Founded in 1994, the association is a membership organization that advocates on behalf of the nonprofit sector and provides guidance on best practices, management training, research and assessment tools, and cost-saving programs.

“It is an honor to join the team at the Maine Association of Nonprofits,” Hutchins said. “Maine’s nonprofit sector is not only a significant employer and economic stimulator, it supports all aspects of healthy, happy and prosperous communities. Maine’s future depends on nonprofits being active partners with business, philanthropic and government leaders to find innovative solutions to our most pressing issues.”

Hutchins’ community involvement has included serving as marketing chair of the Greater Portland Economic Development Corp., sitting on the board of the Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau and as a member of the steering committee of Maine Startup and Create Week. In 2015, on behalf of Creative Portland, she received the Creative Economy award from the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Hutchins received her undergraduate degree from Union College and earned her master’s in public policy and management from the Muskie School of Public Service at the USM. She lives in Portland with her husband and two children.

According to tax forms filed with the Internal Revenue Service, Schnapp received an annual salary of $91,860 plus $6,463 in other compensation in 2014, the most recent year available. Hutchins’ salary for that same year was $60,230 plus $15,058 in other compensation.