Blair Tinkham has been appointed Penobscot County administrator, the county announced on Thursday.
Tinkham, who starts on Feb. 1, most recently worked as an executive management consultant with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Previously, he was the assistant adjutant general and chief of staff for the Maine National Guard where he served as a brigadier general.
Tinkham’s appointment comes as Penobscot County, like Waldo and Washington counties, faces a budget crisis.
Tinkham’s predecessor, Scott Adkins announced his resignation in October 2025, after just over three years in the role. Gary R. Lamb, former city manager of Hallowell, has served as interim administrator since November.
Andre Cushing, chair of the Penobscot County Commissioners, praised Tinkham’s military and strategic planning experience, calling him “an effective and respectful manager.”