Lincoln Jeffers, director of Economic and Community Development for the city of Lewiston, is seen in 2020 outside City Hall. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal file

LEWISTON — Lincoln Jeffers, Lewiston’s longtime director of economic and community development, will retire at the end the year and be succeeded by Assistant Director Nate Libby, the city announced Monday.

Jeffers, 63, has been at City Hall since 2000, and officials praised him Monday for his help in guiding Lewiston’s economic transition from a mill town to a more diverse economy across health care, finance, education, precision manufacturing and distribution.

According to a city news release, Jeffers’ tenure saw $1.4 billion in new investments, including projects such as the Walmart Distribution facility, mill redevelopment, over 1,200 multifamily housing units built or approved and the Choice Neighborhoods grant award.

Jeffers was also credited for his role in supporting the $340 million New England Clean Energy Connect converter station that’s under construction now.

“Lincoln Jeffers guided Lewiston through 25 years of challenges and change and we appreciate his dedication during those pivotal times,” Mayor Carl Sheline said Monday, adding that he believes Libby is the right person to take the helm. “Nate Libby’s passion for Lewiston and his remarkable ability to connect with people, from local stakeholders to financial experts, makes him the right leader to take us forward. With his innovative vision and approachable style, I’m confident Nate will continue to drive growth and revitalization for our city.”

Libby, who was hired in April of this year following the departure of Misty Parker, will also lead the economic and community development department through a period of transition at City Hall, as elected officials narrow their search for a new city administrator.

City leaders lauded Libby for his work so far, including the successful Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival.

“He’s begun working on several projects to spur commercial and housing investment in downtown and in the riverfront area, managing the city’s TIF programs, and helping a variety of businesses navigate challenges they’re experiencing,” the news release said.

“Lewiston is poised for its next chapter, and Nate’s innovative approach and can-do attitude will be instrumental in driving revitalization for all of Lewiston,” acting City Administrator Brian O’Malley said.

Nate Libby, a former state legislator from Lewiston, will replace Lincoln Jeffers as director of economic and community development in Lewiston. Submitted photo

According to the release, Libby has set goals for adopting a new economic development strategy, supporting downtown revitalization, attracting new business investment, and enhancing quality of life for residents.

“In particular, he plans to work on: establishing a robust, flexible business development fund, establishing a one-stop business technical assistance and financing program for startup and established businesses, strengthening the partnership with the Downtown Lewiston Association and stakeholders, working with partners to expand the calendar of events and festivals in Lewiston,” according to the release.

“Lewiston is a city with enormous potential, and I am honored to step into this role at such an exciting time,” Libby said. “I look forward to leading economic and community development work in Lewiston and collaborating with stakeholders to make our city an even better place to live, work, and invest in.”

Prior to working with the city, Libby served as president of Community Concepts Finance Corp. and president of Community Concepts Housing Development, overseeing a $35 million affordable housing portfolio in western Maine.

Before that, Libby represented Lewiston in the Legislature for 10 years and served as Senate majority leader. While serving in the Legislature, he worked as an economic development consultant.

While originally from Norridgewock, Libby has a connection to Lewiston that began when he attended Bates College. He remained in Lewiston after graduating, where he was a Lewiston city councilor and adviser to the Lewiston Youth Advisory Council, and remained active on other boards.

Jeffers, a graduate of economic and community development at the Muskie School of Public Service, was hired as an economic development specialist and eventually made his way up to lead the department.

The city said he “leaves behind a legacy of progress.”