Governor LePage Announces Nominees to Maine State Housing Authority and Maine Technology Institute

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 20, 2012
Contact: Adrienne Bennett (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul LePage has announced today that he has nominated John G. Gallagher, of Bath, to serve as the Director of the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) and Robert A. Martin, of Newcastle, as Director of Maine Technology Institute (MTI).

“Mr. Gallagher’s many years of experience in housing and real estate, both in the public and private sectors, give him a keen perspective on how best to deliver MSHA programs to the people of Maine,” said Governor LePage. “I believe his ability to bridge the communication gap between the public and private sector will serve the people of Maine well.”

“Likewise, Mr. Martin’s extensive background in all facets of the private sector, including technology development and marketing, will provide MTI with new and creative strategies to help Maine entrepreneurs successfully position themselves in the global marketplace,” added the Governor.

Gallagher has served as Executive Director of the Westbrook Housing Authority since 1999. He has also previously served as Manager of the Development Division of MSHA.  Prior to that, he co-owned a small real estate and management firm in mid-coast Maine. Gallagher’s experience in multiple levels of management, as well as his knowledge of both public and private sector housing, give him a unique understanding of both the need for and the burden that regulations put on businesses.

“I am honored to be nominated by the Governor to run MSHA. I look forward to working with the Governor and his administration to serve the people of Maine and address their housing needs,” said Gallagher.

Martin has held a number of executive-level positions with businesses across the nation, including Managing General Partner of The Strategy Group, VP and General Manager of Reichhold, Inc., President/CEO of Earthrise Nutritionals, and most recently as Managing Partner of Strategic Equity Partners, LLC. With more than 30 years of experience, Martin has developed the business sense to assist Maine companies to fully utilize MTI programs, as well as the political acumen to promote the innate values of the people and businesses of Maine.

“I thank Governor LePage for nominating me for President of MTI,” said Martin. “I am eager to work with the Governor and his administration to help Maine businesses take full advantage of the public resources available to them so that they may better compete in the global market.”

Appointments for reviews of each nominee are scheduled for Thursday, September 6, by the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development (LCRED).  If approved, both Martin and Gallagher would then need confirmation from the Maine Senate.

The Maine State Housing Authority is an independent state agency that bridges public and private housing finance, combining them to benefit Maine’s low and moderate-income people. Their mission is to assist Maine people to obtain and maintain decent, safe, affordable housing and services suitable to their unique housing needs. Peter Merrill is serving as the Acting Director of MSHA until a new director can be formally confirmed.

Established by the Maine State Legislature in 1999, the Maine Technology Institute is an industry-led, publicly-funded, nonprofit organization that promotes the generation of high-quality jobs throughout Maine. This is achieved by providing commercialization assistance in the form of competitive grants, loans and equity investment for the research, development and application of technologies. If confirmed, Martin will be filling the position previously held by Betsy Biemann, who stepped down in July of this year.

For more information on MSHA, please visit: http://www.mainehousing.org/

For more information on MTI, please visit: http://www.mainetechnology.org/

To read the original press release please visit maine.gov: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MEGOV-4f61ef