AUGUSTA, Maine — The nationwide search for a new executive director at the Maine Municipal Association has ended with the appointment of Stephen W. Gove, who has worked at the Maine Municipal Association since 1980.
Gove, who has served as deputy executive director and director of the Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust insurance division since 2005, was the unanimous pick of the Maine Municipal Association’s 12-member executive committee.
He replaces long-time Executive Director Christopher G. Lockwood, who retired in August after leading the Maine Municipal Association for 36 years.
“It’s an honor. It’s a great opportunity,” said Gove. “I look forward to forging new relationships with our members and to exploring new opportunities for the association.”
Gove takes over an organization that represents 486 out of 491 municipalities in the state. Founded in 1936, the Maine Municipal Association has 112 full- and part-time employees, who provide an array of services to towns and cities, including advocacy in Augusta and Washington, D.C., self-funded health and risk management insurance services, training and communication, legal advice and assistance with labor negotiations and manager searches.
Gove of East Winthrop has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maine and a master’s degree from the Boston University College of Communication.