Elise Baldacci, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Janet Mills

Earlier this week, Elise Baldacci, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, joined the Mills Administration as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor. In her new role, Elise will provide counsel to the Governor on a wide range of policy issues and formulate initiatives that will carry out Governor Mills’ strategic vision for Maine.

“Elise is uniquely qualified to take on this important position in the Mills Administration,” said Todd Mason, President/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League.  “During her tenure here at the League she has been instrumental in building our grassroots network, moving our legislative and regulatory policy agendas forward, and serving as a respected voice for our credit union network. I have no doubts that Elise will be an incredible asset for Governor Mills as she sets her plans in motion to move Maine forward.”

Elise joined the League as Director of Governmental Affairs in 2015.  In her four years at the League, she tirelessly defended the credit union not-for-profit tax status, led lobbying efforts to update our state charter, successfully coordinated Credit Union Day at the State House, and facilitated meetings with credit unions and Maine’s Congressional delegation. Elise also served as a member of the League’s Senior Management team, and represented the League on several CUNA and AACUL Committees.

“I am honored Governor Mills has asked me to serve in this capacity,” said Elise Baldacci. “Even though this type of opportunity is something I have thought about throughout my career, leaving the League and our credit union network was a difficult decision.  Our mission, our members, and the work our credit unions do each and every day in communities across Maine is something that is dear to my heart.  No matter where I go or what I do, I’ll always carry our People Helping People philosophy with me.”

The League will be launching a search to replace Elise in the coming weeks. In the interim, the League and Maine’s credit unions will be well represented in Augusta and Washington, DC, thanks to a robust team of contract lobbyists. The depth of these relationships and experience will keep Maine’s credit unions well positioned during the legislative session as the League works to achieve several policy goals – including delaying the implementation of LD 968.

“I know I speak for our entire credit union family when I say she will be missed,” added Mason. “We are lucky to have a great friend like Elise working in Augusta. While I’m sad I won’t have the privilege of working alongside Elise every day, this is a tremendous opportunity and I couldn’t be happier for her.”

Elise’s last day working for the League was January 4.