LEWISTON — Lorrie Potvin, chairwoman of the Advocates for Children board of directors, has announced the appointment of Pam Allen as new executive director of the agency.

“The board is absolutely thrilled to have someone of Pam’s caliber, expertise and enthusiasm leading our organization,” Potvin said. “She is truly a gem, and we look forward to working with her to keep Advocates for Children healthy and strong for many years to come.”

Allen brings more than 20 years of management experience to the agency. She retired in 2009 from SeniorsPlus and later acted as interim director at Common Ties and most recently at Advocates for Children.

Allen said she looks forward to continuing AFC’s history of serving families and children in Androscoggin County. Her focus will be to reduce and/or prevent the incidents of child abuse, neglect and maltreatment in the community.

Allen can be reached at Advocates for Children, 57 Birch St., Suite 204, Lewiston ME or by calling 783-3990. More information about the agency and its programs can be found at www.advocatesforchildren.net.