A longtime leader of business innovation in Maine won unanimous support from the state Senate to become the commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
Michael Duguay was sworn in by Gov. Janet Mills Thursday morning, shortly after the Senate vote.
Michael Duguay Courtesy of the governor’s office
Duguay, who lives in Waterville, had been the executive director and vice president for innovation at the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College. He launched the institute in 2017, which has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs market their products and scale their businesses, and trained thousands of students to succeed in good-paying careers in Maine, Mills’ office said.
“The Senate’s unanimous approval is a testament to Mike’s experience fostering business growth and attracting new companies and jobs to Maine,” Mills said in an emailed statement. “I look forward to working with him to keep Maine the best place to live, work, start a business and raise a family.”
The Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee had unanimously endorsed Duguay on Tuesday. Mills nominated him for the position March 4.
Duguay is returning to the agency after nearly 20 years; he began his economic development career as a project manager in its Office of Business Development and Office of Community Development from 1990 to 1998. He’s also held director-level roles at the Midcoast Council for Business Development, city of Augusta and Summit Natural Gas.
Duguay replaces Heather Johnson, who stepped down as commissioner in January after six years on the job.
“I am honored by the trust placed in me by Governor Mills and the Maine Senate,” Duguay said in an emailed statement. “I look forward to leading the department’s efforts to partner with Maine businesses, attract new investments, and build a stronger economy for all Mainers.”
The governor’s office said Duguay’s salary, which must be set after the Senate vote, is still being finalized. Johnson’s annual salary was $173,388.80.
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