PORTLAND (AP) – The head of a nonprofit that recruits businesses to Maine has announced his candidacy for governor.

Matt Jacobson, president and CEO of Maine & Co., touted a 15-year record of helping to create thousands of jobs as he kicked off his 2010 run Thursday at Portland’s Ocean Gateway.

The 48-year-old former Air Force pilot and Republican candidate said Maine can become “world class,” but not without real effort.

Jacobson, who lives in Cumberland, formed an exploratory committee in February to consider a run for the post being vacated by two-term Democrat John Baldacci.