November 08, 2024
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Baldacci transition team adds 3 more members Policy, finance, inaugural coordinators appointed

BANGOR – Gov.-elect John Baldacci on Thursday named three additional members to his transition team, which is helping him recruit and evaluate staff and Cabinet appointments, plan inaugural events, and develop an agenda for the new Democratic administration taking power in January.

Baldacci named Martha Freeman as the transition policy coordinator, Patrick McGowan as transition finance coordinator and Gwethalyn Phillips as inaugural coordinator.

Freeman, a Portland lawyer, has developed a private practice based in Portland in mental health counseling, representing children in divorce cases and in public policy and management consulting. She previously served as the director of the Office of Policy and Legal Analysis of the Maine Legislature. Her husband, Richard Barringer, was state planning director under Democratic Gov. Joseph Brennan.

McGowan, of York, most recently was finance director for the Baldacci for Governor Campaign, served in the Legislature for 10 years and was director of the U.S. Small Business Administration of New England during the Clinton administration.

Phillips, of Bangor, is a long-term community and political activist completing her second term as head of the Maine Democratic Party.

Baldacci said all three were helpful during the campaign and that their experience will contribute a great deal to the transition efforts as he prepares to take over the office being vacated by independent Gov. Angus King.

Last week, Baldacci named Larry Benoit as transition coordinator, Tamara Pogue as deputy transition coordinator and Lee Umphrey as communications coordinator. The transition office is housed in Room 105 of the State House. Further transition team announcements are expected Friday or early next week.


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