LEWISTON — Former longtime state legislator Nate Libby has been hired as assistant director of economic and community development, replacing longtime staffer Misty Parker who resigned in February.
Nate Libby, a former state legislator from Lewiston, has been hired as assistant economic development director, replacing longtime staffer Misty Parker. City of Lewiston
The announcement Monday comes on the heels of the city hiring Jon Connor earlier this month to lead the planning and code enforcement department following a controversial period at City Hall that saw several staff departures.
Libby, who was once the Senate majority leader in Augusta, most recently served as president of Community Concepts Finance Corporation, where, according to city administration, he led the Lewiston-based $15 million financial services organization in the wake of significant pandemic-related challenges.
At the same time, he also served as president of housing development for Community Concepts, overseeing a $35 million affordable housing portfolio in Western Maine.
“Nate’s extensive experience in economic development and financial management make him an ideal candidate to lead our city’s efforts in driving economic growth and community development,” said Brian O’Malley, acting city administrator. “His proven track record, coupled with his deep commitment to the city of Lewiston, positions him well to advance our community’s economic interests.”
O’Malley was named acting city administrator by the council late last month following the resignation of Heather Hunter.
According to the news release, during his decadelong tenure in the legislature, Libby was a self-employed economic development consultant, and has experience in tax increment financing (TIF) district creation and management, grant writing and administration, and community development planning.
Libby, originally from Norridgewock, attended Bates College and remained in Lewiston after graduating. He’s a former city councilor, former advisor to the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, and was chair of Lewiston’s Universally Accessible Playground Committee, where he led the development of Maine’s first public universally accessible playground for people of all ages with special needs. “Jude’s Place” at Marcotte Park is named for Libby’s son.
“My career to this point has involved supporting Lewiston people and businesses in a variety of ways, and I’m looking forward to serving the community I love in a new way,” Libby said. “I am committed to doing what I can as part of a team of folks who see the enormous potential in this community. I am honored to have the opportunity to build on our strong foundations and contribute to Lewiston’s economic growth and resilience.”
Mayor Carl Sheline said Monday that Libby “is a fantastic addition to our team.”
“With his business experience and the numerous relationships he’s built over the years, he’ll be able to hit the ground running,” he said.
According to city administration, the assistant director position will “collaborate closely with city leadership and community partners to develop and execute strategies to support economic growth.” Libby’s first day was Monday.
“Libby will support in directing strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic vitality of Lewiston, supporting established businesses, attracting new businesses, and fostering a diverse mix of business, real estate investment, and housing development within the city,” the news release said. “This role also entails leading special development projects, supporting a wide range of economic development initiatives, and connecting the city to developers, business incubators, state and federal funders and regulators, and community partners.”
In her resignation letter, Parker highlighted several recent accomplishments for the department, including new housing development, but said addressing the homelessness, opioid and safety issues in the downtown should be at the forefront of the city’s priorities going forward.
Several downtown businesses, including Rusty Bus Brewing, have recently announced plans to close.
Libby holds a Masters in business administration from the University of Southern Maine.
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