Maine Community College System Executive and Leadership Team

Ande Smith, the President at Maine Community College System, drives the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth of the college network. Overseeing academic partnerships and legislative relations, the President ensures that the institution meets the evolving needs of the state workforce. This leadership role involves managing high-level fiscal planning and securing funding for campus infrastructure projects. By fostering relationships with industry leaders, Ande Smith directly expands opportunities for student internships and career placement. Furthermore, the President coordinates with the Board of Trustees to establish long-term goals that prioritize student success and community engagement. Through effective advocacy, Smith secures the resources necessary to maintain competitive academic programs. This position requires constant focus on regional economic trends, ensuring that the institution provides relevant training that prepares graduates for the modern job market while maintaining a strong commitment to accessible, high-quality education for all residents.

David Daigler, the President at Maine Community College System, executes the operational strategy focused on expanding vocational training and technical certification programs. Overseeing the implementation of statewide educational standards, the President ensures that curriculum offerings remain aligned with current industry demands. This leadership role involves managing complex budget allocations and optimizing resource distribution across all campus locations. By championing innovative teaching methodologies, David Daigler directly improves student retention and graduation rates. Furthermore, the President collaborates with local businesses to develop specialized training props and equipment that enhance hands-on learning experiences. Through rigorous performance monitoring, Daigler maintains the quality of certification programs for fire service professionals and other technical fields. This position requires constant engagement with stakeholders to identify emerging skill gaps, ensuring that the institution delivers value through standardized education and remains a vital resource for professional development throughout the entire state.

Barbara Owen, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Maine Community College System, directs all talent acquisition and organizational development initiatives. Managing the workforce lifecycle, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment between staffing requirements and the educational mission of the institution. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits packages and professional development pathways for faculty and administrative staff. By optimizing internal recruitment processes, Barbara Owen directly impacts the operational efficiency of the college network. Furthermore, the Chief Human Resources Officer oversees compliance with state labor regulations, fostering a productive environment for all employees. Through strategic workforce planning, Owen secures the human capital necessary to maintain high standards of academic excellence. This position requires constant collaboration with department heads to address evolving staffing needs across the diverse campuses, ensuring that the organization attracts top-tier talent to support the broader goals of the institution.

Darren Yocum, the Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Applications at Maine Community College System, architects the digital infrastructure supporting student information systems and administrative platforms. Overseeing the integration of complex software solutions, the Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Applications ensures seamless data flow across all regional campuses. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and maintaining the integrity of academic records. By modernizing legacy systems, Darren Yocum directly enhances the user experience for both students and faculty members. Furthermore, the Chief Information Officer, Enterprise Applications coordinates with technical teams to implement scalable cloud-based tools that support remote learning initiatives. Through rigorous system audits, Yocum mitigates operational risks and guarantees high availability for critical digital services. This position requires constant innovation to keep pace with technological advancements in higher education, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of digital transformation while providing robust support for all academic and administrative functions.