Elise Baldacci Named Maine Credit Union League’s New President

Following a past career in the credit union industry and time spent in the political world, Elise Baldacci’s professional life has come full circle as she was named president of the Maine Credit Union League years after beginning her career at the League.

On Friday, League officials made the leadership announcement 10 months after Todd Mason left Maine to return to his home state of Michigan for another position. Since June of last year, Cris Wescott has held the position of interim president during the League’s search for a new leader.

According to the Maine Credit Union League, Baldacci is the first woman to permanently serve the organization in this capacity.

“After conducting a thorough search for our industry’s next leader, Elise’s qualifications, including her experience advocating for credit unions, stood above the rest,” said David Desjardins, chairman of the Maine Credit Union League’s Board of Directors and CEO of Acadia Federal Credit Union ($332 million, Fort Kent, Maine). “She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role, along with a deep commitment to carrying out the credit union ‘people helping people’ philosophy. Her familiarity with both the League and the credit union movement makes her well-positioned to advance the interests of Maine credit unions, now and in the future.”

Previously, Baldacci was part of the League’s senior management and served as director of governmental affairs, as well as with the League’s CUSO Synergent, a financial technology and services company. Before returning to the Maine Credit Union League, Baldacci worked for Gov. Janet Mills as deputy chief of staff.

In a prepared statement, Baldacci said, “I am honored that the League’s Board is providing me this tremendous opportunity. In many ways, I feel like I’m coming home. I’ve always been deeply passionate about credit unions and the tremendous difference they make in their communities and in their members’ lives. I am eager to begin working with the League’s talented staff and with Maine’s credit unions to advocate on their behalf and showcase the mission and values of our industry.”

According to Friday’s statement, Baldacci will assume her new role on June 3.