Leadership Transition GrowSmart Maine is onboarding a new CEO, Leigh Hallett, starting August 3rd, 2026. This leadership change presents an opportunity to offer leadership advisory, governance support, and stakeholder engagement services to help ensure smooth strategic execution and continuity.

Funding Momentum The organization has secured significant funding including a Catalyst Grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission and a USDA Rural Development Initiative grant. There is potential to discuss program expansion, grant management, reporting solutions, and partnerships to maximize return on these investments.

Strategic Focus With a focus on smart growth, climate action, equity, and place preservation, there is likely demand for policy research, impact analytics, and public affairs support to influence state and local policy, plus collaboration opportunities with environmental and economic development stakeholders.

Event and convening Active in convening events and summits, GrowSmart Maine could benefit from sponsorship, event management tools, membership platforms, and outreach services to expand attendance, engagement, and revenue from programs like the Downeast Food Systems Workshop and other regional initiatives.

Team expansion Recent hires and a growing team imply needs in digital engagement, communications, and program coordination. Propose services in CRM/constituent management, marketing automation, content strategy, and data-driven fundraising to support scale.