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March 21, 2024March 21, 2024
PORTLAND – The Catholic Foundation of Maine Board of Trustees today announces the appointment of Kristen Wells as the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer. In this newly created role, Wells is responsible for directing, managing, and growing all aspects of the fundraising program for the Catholic Foundation of Maine (CFM), and will provide guidance and counsel to entities supported by CFM funds, including diocesan offices, Catholic Charities, Maine Catholic schools, parishes and more.
Wells brings to this position more than 20 years of experience in relationship development for advancement, leadership, and strategic planning. As an independent consultant since 2018, Wells has worked with nonprofit organizations throughout the state, including the Maine Development Foundation, the Maine School of Science and Mathematics Foundation, the Northern Maine Growth Initiative, and others.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kristen to the Catholic Foundation of Maine as its first CEO,” said Alex Sharp, chair of the Catholic Foundation of Maine Board of Trustees. “She has a proven track record of success over the past two decades with a diverse group of organizations in Maine. As she works to design a comprehensive fundraising strategy and plan for the foundation, the board looks forward to partnering with her to expand our reach and better serve the people of our state.”
The Catholic Foundation of Maine is a 501 (c)(3) public charity whose mission is to establish and steward endowments that support people through ministries, charities, organizations, missions, scholarships, churches, parishes, vocations, and more, in perpetuity. The CEO role reports to and consults with the Catholic Foundation of Maine’s Board of Trustees.
“I am honored and humbled to be named the CEO of the Catholic Foundation of Maine,” said Wells. “In collaboration with the Board of Trustees, the bishop and diocesan departments, I am eager to work with our generous donors across the state to further the mission of the Church in Maine through programs, ministries, and services.”
Prior to her consulting work, Wells served as the executive director of the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative from 2015-2017, an organization which promotes higher learning and economic development in Aroostook County. In this role, Wells increased scholarship partners and corporate sponsors while reducing overall operating and program expenses. From 2012-2015, she was the managing director of the Houlton Community Arts Center.
Wells was the director of development for Catholic Charities of Maine from 2009-2012, managing all aspects of fundraising and stewardship, including major and estate gifts, marketing and direct mail, and events including the annual golf tournament. Since 2022, she has been a member of the Diocesan Finance Council for the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland and has been on the Development Committee since 2020.
Wells earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art from the University of Southern Maine and a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from Boston University.
