NBRC Welcomes Commissioner Michael Duguay as New Governor’s Alternate for the State of Maine

This week, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) will welcome Michael Duguay to his first Commission meeting since accepting the role of Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD). Commissioner Duguay will play a vital role as the governor’s alternate to NBRC’s State Co-Chair, Governor Janet Mills, and will work closely alongside NBRC’s Federal Co-Chair. The position was previously held by Commissioner Heather Johnson, who announced her departure in January after six successful years.

Commissioner Duguay has a history with DECD, having previously served as a project manager for the Office of Business Development and Office of Community Development from 1990 to 1998. In the years since, he has dedicated his career to business, economic, and community development within the state of Maine in leadership roles for the Midcoast Council for Business Development, the City of Augusta, and Summit Natural Gas.

Most recently, Commissioner Duguay served as Vice President for Innovation and Executive Director of the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College in Waterville, a position he held since the Institution’s launch in 2017. His focus centered on assisting entrepreneurs and training students for successful careers.

“The Commissioner brings a wealth of experience to the Northern Border Regional Commission,” says Chris Saunders, Federal Co-Chair NBRC. “He is both a seasoned practitioner and a systems thinker, who can navigate policy, government and community needs. We look forward to working with him as Governor Mill’s delegate from Maine.”

“It is an honor to be able to join the dedicated NBRC staff and other State designees in this incredibly important program. The work that is done throughout our collective regions, along with the benefit that is provided to our citizens through NBRC’s work is incredibly valuable and impactful," said Commissioner Duguay. "These projects not only spur other investments, they help build the critically important rural infrastructure that is needed in order to grow regional economies”

A Notice of Public Meeting has been published on www.nbrc.gov prior to the June 17 Commission meeting.

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About the NBRC
Created in 2008, the Northern Border Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership whose mission is to catalyze community vitality and economic prosperity in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont with flexible funding and strategic support.