AUBURN — The Androscoggin County Republican Committee has unanimously elected Lewiston native and small business owner Patti Gagne of Lewiston as its new chairwoman.

She is a graduate of the University of Maine.

“I am elated to be elected as the new county chair,” she said in a written statement. “My goal is to visit all 14 towns in our county and attend their municipal committee meetings to get folks re-engaged and involved. Together, we can have a very successful county caucus and Lincoln Day Dinner ahead of our efforts to recruit and support Republican candidates for the fall elections. This committee has a bright future ahead.”

Jason Greene of Durham, a member of the executive committee who represents Androscoggin County on the Maine Republican State Committee, chaired the meeting.

“Patti Gagne is well known for her positive energy, and she is absolutely the principled leader we need to restore integrity, transparency and accountability to the chairmanship,” Greene said.

In December, the county committee voted to remove Chairman Stavros Mendros in the wake of then-treasurer Mark Ramsey’s resignation and a scandal involving $8,000 in missing cash. The money has since been repaid.

Following Gagne’s election, Sen. Garrett Mason of Lisbon, the majority leader of the Maine Senate, offered praise for Gagne.

“Having known Patti for years, I know that she is exactly the person we need to get candidates elected in 2016,” he said. “I am confident that the party could be in no more capable hands.”

At the Jan. 25 meeting, committee members remembered former Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello who recently died. Fond memories, laughter and tears were shared by those who spoke of her. She served in the Maine House and Senate and was loved for her tenacious spirit and mentoring.

“I am saddened by the passing of Sen. Snowe-Mello,” Gagne said. “She was a mentor to me, and I hold her in such high regard. She will continue to be an example for all of us who seek to serve our fellow Mainers.”

The committee also elected Les Gibson of Sabattus and Jon Kirsch of Lisbon as the new treasurer and finance director, respectively.

The Androscoggin County caucus, municipal caucuses, and the statewide presidential nominating caucus will be held Saturday, March 5, at the Lewiston Middle School, in coordination with the Maine Republican Party. All registered Republicans are encouraged to attend.

For information, contact Secretary Joanna Said at mjsaid88@yahoo.com.