Community Concepts names Yardley CEO

LEWISTON — Shawn Yardley has been named chief executive officer of Community Concepts. His appointment came as the result of a national search, during which time Cathy Kidman served as Community Concepts’ interim CEO.

Yardley has a statewide reputation for leading successful efforts to address complex issues. He is an original member of the Public Health Work Group that worked for four years to develop Maine’s public health infrastructure.

He most recently served as director of community services at Penobscot Community Health Care. Yardley also spent almost a decade as director of the Bangor Health and Community Services Department, was the executive director of the River Coalition in Old Town and spent 17 years with Maine’s Department of Human Services, where he served as the regional program manager for Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington counties.

Yardley has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, as well as a master’s degree and a master’s degree in business from Husson University.

He has been repeatedly elected to serve on the State Coordinating Council for Public Health since its inception and was appointed by former Gov. John Baldacci to the inaugural State Homeless Council, an appointment he continues to hold.

He will officially join Community Concepts during the week of Sept. 28.