BRIDGTON – Kevin Hancock, chairman of Hancock Lumber, has been elected president of the Bridgton Academy board of trustees.

Hancock, who has been a trustee since 1997, succeeds Robert L. Teel Jr.

Under Teel’s leadership, the academy constructed a multi-million dollar humanities center, developed a strategic plan for the school and maintained its 37-year accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

“The entire Bridgton Academy community is excited to have Kevin Hancock leading the academy forward into its third century,” said Headmaster David N. Hursty. “By every measure, the academy is in a position of great strength, and Kevin has the leadership, professional experience, and personal commitment to Bridgton’s mission and vision, both as a trustee and as a former teacher and coach here at the academy, that are necessary to take this remarkable institution to the next level of excellence.”

As Bridgton Academy enters its third century, Hancock will oversee several key initiatives, including the final stages of the academy’s capital campaign for a new academic center, the search for the school’s next headmaster, as current headmaster David Hursty will retire next year, and welcoming the 200th class to the academy this fall as the school celebrates its bicentennial anniversary next year.