AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate recently confirmed Gov. Paul LePage’s nominee to head the Finance Authority of Maine, the state’s quasi-independent agency that provides financing and education to local businesses.
FAME’s new CEO is Bruce Wagner, a former CEO of Portland’s Barber Foods. LePage nominated Wagner for the position, which is for a four-year term, at the beginning of this legislative session.
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The Senate voted unanimously on Feb. 18 to confirm the nomination, said Ericka Dodge, communications director for the Maine Senate Democrats. Wagner’s first day on the job was Feb. 24.
“I am honored to have been chosen for this important role and look forward to collaborating with FAME’s excellent board and staff to continue and expand the agency’s mission of making business and education work for Maine,” Wagner said in a statement Monday.
Elizabeth Bordowitz was FAME’s former CEO. Her term expired in May 2013 and LePage declined to nominate her for a second term, though she agreed to continue to serve until the Senate confirmed her successor, said William Norbert, FAME’s governmental affairs and communications manager.
Wagner previously served as chief financial officer of Martin’s Point Health Care. He also is founder of Traverse CEO, a consulting firm that specializes in rescuing and renewing businesses, according to a news release from FAME.
He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife, Kathi, and has served on the board of directors of Woodard & Curran, Mercy Hospital and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.
“FAME is fortunate to have someone of Bruce’s background taking the helm of the agency. His strong business and financial background, coupled with his integrity and concern for people and FAME’s mission, make him an ideal choice for CEO,” Ray Nowak, chairman of FAME’s board, said in a statement.
Whit Richardson can be contacted at 791-6463 or at wrichardson@pressherald.com
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