PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Andrew “AJ” Gagnon, department chair of Northern Maine Community College’s emergency medical services department, was named president of the Organization of Maine Nursing Executives.
Prior to accepting formal nomination, Gagnon served as the organization’s secretary for three years while simultaneously co-chairing both the organization’s Annual Summit and Annual Meeting, which host leaders from throughout the state.
“I’m incredibly humbled and excited by this opportunity,” Gagnon said. “Historically executive leadership has come from southern Maine, so I’m looking forward to representing northern Maine’s unique needs while pushing forward OMNE’s mission statewide.”
One of the organization’s primary focuses is addressing the impending nursing shortage in Maine by representing healthcare in discussions with state legislators and raising awareness of the industry’s challenges. Containing roughly 75 leaders and aspiring-leaders statewide, it hosts events with keynote speakers, vendors and professional networking while addressing critical issues in nursing. This year’s summit focuses on aging, a highly relevant issue with Maine currently recognized as the nation’s oldest state.
Originally from East Millinocket, Gagnon is an alumnus of Northern Maine Community College’s paramedicine program and also holds a bachelor’s in nursing and a master’s in nursing administration, as well as a considerable number of professional certifications.
After becoming a volunteer firefighter in high school, Gagnon discovered a passion for helping people and gravitated to emergency and critical health settings, including flight medicine.
“I’m really excited that AJ has taken on the role of president,” said Peggy McRae, MSN, RN, CENP, who previously held the title of president and will now serve as an advisory past-president while Gagnon transitions to the new role. “We were looking for that up and coming leader to be able to continually drive the efforts and initiatives of OMNE, and I believe AJ is well-suited to do that.”
Submitted by the Development and College Relations Office of Northern Maine Community College.
