MaineBusiness.com

PORTLAND — The leadership in Maine's businesses, government and nonprofits is graying and set to retire, which means it's time for a younger generation to take the reins.

That was the message at LeaderSHIFT, an event held by the Institute for Civic Leadership on Thursday at Ocean Gateway, overlooking Portland Harbor.

More than 250 people came to network and discover the work of people like Elliot May, founder of the networking event Portland Greendrinks; Amber Degn, director of foundation and corporate support at the Portland Museum of Art; and other emerging leaders.

Steve Schuit, executive director of the Institute for Civic Leadership, said Maine is at a crossroads. Its population is aging and baby boomers are on the verge of retirement, which will create a leadership vacuum, Schuit said.

"We are looking at an unmistakable opportunity," he said.

The opportunities are there, but sometimes people need a little push, said Hannah Pingree of North Haven, speaker of Maine's House of Representatives.

Pingree said she had no interest when she was asked to run for the Legislature. It took persistent pleas from former House Speaker Mike Saxl and her mother, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, she said.

"I didn't think I wanted to be involved in this kind of elected position and leadership at this point in my life, but it was important that I stepped up and did it," she said.

Wil Smith, co-director of the Seeds of Peace Camp in Otisfield, said he also needed urging to get involved in the community.

In his case it was former Seeds of Peace camp director Tim Wilson, who didn't take no for an answer after telling Smith, "I want you to work for me," Smith said.

What Wilson saw in him is what exists in many young leaders: potential.

"I want to warn you, you're here because you have the gift, and sometimes that gift might seem like a curse," Smith told the audience. "You have the gift of leadership."

Maine is seen as being among the states that lose their youngest and brightest to better opportunities elsewhere. But Fortunat Mueller of ReVision Energy said that's just not the case.

"I gotta tell you, I think the brain drain is a myth," Mueller said. "My experience is not consistent with that idea."

Whether it's the young entrepreneurs and organizers making their own paths, or those working in existing companies, Maine has a committed young work force, he said.

The Institute for Civic Leadership is trying to nudge organizations in the right direction.

On Thursday night it announced the formation of the Young Emerging Leaders Initiative, to develop new leaders through mentoring and other support to transition into businesses, nonprofits and politics.

Matt Woodside, a online training developer for TD Bank, said Thursday's event was his introduction to the institute and its programs.

He said there's a need for events to bring together young professionals and other leaders to make connections.

"When people get together to talk, talk leads to discussions and discussions lead to action," he said. "It's a reason to get off your butt and do something."

While the purpose of the night was to highlight the work being done by young leaders, it was also to serve as a wake-up call to established leaders, said Schuit.

Those leaders need to realize that working with emerging talent is good for the community and part of their own legacy, he said.

"I think we had a lot of light bulbs go off tonight," Schuit said.

Staff Writer Justin Ellis can be contacted at 791-6380 or at:

jellis@pressherald.com