Mainebiz Special Editions

VO L . X X V I N O. V I § 2 M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 2 0 22 2013 Dana Totman President and CEO / Avesta Housing What he is doing today: I am the president and CEO of Avesta Housing, a Portland-based nonprofit focused on affordable housing with 280 employees. Key lessons learned as a manager: • e biggest lesson I've learned is to hire really good people. It makes us good at what we do and it makes coming to work every day better. • Develop a good strategic plan and stick to it. It's easy to be busy or chase ideas, but you need a well-mapped strategic plan to be effective. • Finally, it's so important to make sure all employees know our mission and our values. Our mission and values keep us grounded in who we are and what matters and they connect employees across a growing organization. Advice to Maine's next generation of business leaders: My advice to the next generation of Maine business leaders is to get outdoors and visit all 16 counties. Maine is beautiful and precious and we're lucky to live and work here. I'm an avid hiker and get some of my best ideas when I'm entrenched in our state's natural beauty. Also I think it is important to really understand Maine people, wherever they live. As a Maine leader, you'll inevitably fall in love with our places and our people. e next step is to get involved in the community. Volunteer, join a board, donate food… just do whatever you can to continue to improve the community in which you work. What's next: Avesta is "all in" to help more people obtain and retain decent, affordable homes. We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home and we'll go full steam ahead until everyone does. Personally, I've also had the pleasure of mentoring scores of young New Mainers, and I look forward to continuing that. Sara Burns Former president and CEO / Central Maine Power Co. What she is doing today: I retired from CMP at the end of 2017. It was my 30th year at the company, 19th as president. I am currently on the Colby College board of trustees, Mitchell Institute board of direc- tors and Avangrid Networks board of directors. Key lessons learned as a man- ager: I learned many lessons as a manager. • First, surround yourself with A+ people. A great team allows you to coach, develop and drive results. e wrong people, you do all the work and struggle to get positive results. • If you are a strong manager, you communicate what needs to be done. You can call this vision, strategy or objectives, but just make sure the team is focused and understands what they need to do. • Focus on getting things done. Many in management can talk a good game but cannot talk about accomplishments. Advice to Maine's next generation of business leaders: If you want to learn to lead, focus on building skills like project management and public speaking. Look for educational opportunities on leadership. Volunteer to serve on a nonprofit board. At work, raise your hand to get on a team and then step up to lead the team. Volunteer to coach a team in your community. Find a mentor who you can work with on all of the above. What's next: I am enjoying the board work I am doing and I am mentoring several people who have reached out to me for coaching/ advice. Dana Totman is president and CEO of Avesta Housing, a Portland nonprofit focused on affordable housing. Sara Burns retired from Central Maine Power in 2017 after 30 years at the company and 19 as president. FILE PHOTO I think it is important to really understand Maine people, wherever they live. – Dana Totman At work, raise your hand to get on a team and then step up to lead the team. – Sara Burns

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