Maine’s economic development commissioner will step down after serving six years under Gov. Janet Mills.
Heather Johnson will leave the helm of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development on March 1, the governor’s office announced Monday.
Mills tapped Johnson, who previously headed the ConnectME Authority, as economic development commissioner in December 2018 after winning her first term in the Blaine House. Johnson has remained in that position since Mills assumed office.
On Monday, Mills applauded Johnson for her “instrumental” leadership in bringing about “Maine’s unprecedented economic growth,” pointing to federal data that showed the state’s gross domestic product has increased 9.2 percent since 2019, more than New York (3.5 percent) and California (7.6 percent).
The governor’s office also pointed to Johnson’s role in forming the Maine Connectivity Authority to help expand broadband statewide, recommendations used to craft the state’s 10-year economic strategy and help in securing passage of the free community college program, among other initiatives.
“Her vision and work not only helped Maine’s economy survive the pandemic, but also thrive in its recovery,” Mills said in a statement, calling Johnson a “champion of rural Maine” who has “worked tirelessly to create jobs and grow opportunity in every corner of our state.”
Dana Connors, who stepped down as president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in 2022, said that Johnson set “the standard of excellence” for her office.
“Maine’s economy is stronger today because of Heather’s ability to bring people together and motivate us to get the job done. She is a leader – in every way, by anyone’s definition,” Connors said.
Curtis Picard, president and CEO of the Retail Association of Maine, credited Johnson as a “strong advocate for businesses of all sizes,” calling her “an essential partner” who helped businesses through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and last winter’s storms.
“Together, despite historic challenges, we have built a stronger, more inclusive Maine economy. I know there is always more work ahead, but I am proud of the progress we have made to strengthen Maine’s economic foundation,” Johnson said in a statement.
