The Franco Center’s new executive director, Theresa Shanahan stands Friday morning in the performance hall of the event center on Cedar Street in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

LEWISTON — Theresa Shanahan is the new kid on the block at the Franco Center — sort of.

Originally from Connecticut, Shanahan moved to Maine when she was about 28 years old and in the years since, when it comes to the events business, she’s just about done it all: catering, restaurant management, chef, fashion design and more.

First hired as the director of events and development in January, Shanahan was recently moved up to the big job, as executive director.

Shanahan said she is excited to keep the Franco Center running like a top with its many events, performances and as a destination for varieties of large gatherings.

What is your name, how old are you and where are you from? My name is Theresa Shanahan, my maiden name is Gaumond, and I am of French-Canadian descent. I’m 65 years young and moved to Maine in 1987 from Connecticut, which is where I grew up.

What drew you to the Franco Center? What were you doing before your new post? A friend of mine mentioned that the Franco Center was looking for someone to help with administration and recommended me to a board member. I then sent my resume and was hired in January as the director of events and development. This position then morphed into becoming the executive director, a position I now hold.

I have quite a resume, which includes being an event coordinator and event chef, executive director and director of development for the Ski and Snowboard Museum of Maine, owning my own catering company, restaurant management, and chef at a private fish and game club, as well as at Carrabassett Valley Academy in Carrabassett Valley. That’s only since being in Maine!

New Franco Center Executive Director Theresa Shanahan. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

What are your hopes for the Franco Center as its new director? The Franco Center is oftentimes only thought of as a hall, or just the “old St. Mary’s Church,” a place where so many of our community have been baptized or married. Many times, a first-time guest will remark about how they didn’t know what we offer and have walked or driven by and not even given it a thought. I’d love to see that perception broadened so that we are recognized as the best performance and event facility in the L-A metro area. We offer quality shows to all ages, performances for children, social events for the French-speaking community, tours that present the Franco-American culture, a fun and challenging “Escape Room” game where guests learn first-hand of the culture that this area represented in the past. The Franco-American heritage is an integral part of our mission, and we do a wonderful job to keep it alive. That’s the long and short of it. Mainly, I feel it’s my goal to see continued success for the Franco Center and increase our visibility as a beautiful facility for all to enjoy!

Going back to your youth, what did you think you would be doing at your age? I always have been drawn to art. I have my associate of science degree in fashion design from Endicott College in Massachusetts). I spent most of my younger life creating my own clothes and gifts. My love of food has always been part of my creative process. Creating new menus and managing events such as weddings and private functions also requires my creativity.

How do you balance work and life? What are some of your favorite things outside of work? I am fortunate to live very close to the Franco Center. Along with everyone else, working remotely has been a benefit for me. My hours are somewhat flexible, which allows me to keep my life fluent. I can walk my dog in the morning, exercise and be at work on time!

I like to keep my creativity going whether it’s trying a new recipe, painting a landscape, doing a new exercise routine, or sewing a new creation — these things make me happy. My happiest moments are spent sharing time with my two grown children and their partners.

What is the most important part of your day? The most satisfying? I am a morning person. Waking up early, having that first cup of coffee, doing my crossword puzzle and Wordle is how I get going. It keeps my mind sharp and working. The most satisfying part of my day is at the end of a workday, knowing that I gave it all I had and feel I did my best.

Who are your biggest influences and what kind of legacy do you want to build? Growing up in a loving family environment, my mother had the most influence on me. I modeled how I raised my children from how I was raised. She was a phenomenal lady! I look to my children as how my legacy will be. I am so proud of both of them and their accomplishments, even through their trials and tribulations. My love for them never waivered and they know I will always be their rock!