LEWISTON — The city announced Tuesday that Wendy MacDougall has been named the new director of Social Services following the retirement of longtime Director Sue Charron.

In announcing his selection, City Administrator Ed Barrett said, “Wendy will bring strong knowledge of and experience in social service management and programming to the position.”

MscDougall’s hire is effective Thursday.

He said MacDougall most recently served as site manager for an organization that assists clients of the state’s Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) program. The program looks to teach self-sufficiency and help with skills development and other support services.

MacDougall has also served as supervisor of the case management program for the Knox County Homeless Coalition.

“Wendy has a strong history of working with clients to help them improve their economic circumstances,” he said.

The Social Services Department of Maine’s second-largest city operates a General Assistance program that assists Lewiston residents who are unable to provide basic necessities.

Eligibility is based on income and other guidelines, which are established by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services and Maine state statutes.

The department also provides limited case management and operates a workfare program. 

City Councilor Jim Lysen, who served on the hiring panel along with Deputy Administrator Denis D’Auteuil and retiring Director Sue Charron, said, “Wendy is a great choice and was unanimously recommended by the hiring panel.

“Her education and background, along with her supervisory and management experience, will allow her to move quickly into the position and maintain Lewiston’s statewide reputation for managing one of the most successful General Assistance and workfare programs in the state.”

MacDougall said Tuesday she was “pleased and honored for the opportunity to work with the staff of the city and for the people of Lewiston.”

“I will give this position my best and utilize my skills and experience to uphold the standards of the General Assistance program and meet the expectations of the city of Lewiston,” she said.

MacDougall holds an associate’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Maine at Augusta, a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies from the University of Maine at Augusta and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix.