FORT KENT, Maine – The University of Maine at Fort Kent is pleased to announce that Peter Sirois of Eagle Lake will be awarded the 2023 UMFK Distinguished Service Award at UMFK’s 141st Commencement ceremony on May 6. This award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to UMFK or the greater community of the St. John Valley, Aroostook County or the State of Maine.
Sirois served as the president/CEO at Northern Maine Medical Center for 10 years. During his 33 years of service at NMMC, Sirois was also the chief operating officer and controller. Under his leadership, NMMC was recognized in a variety of ways for outstanding patient care including a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital in the United States in 2017 and 2018; less than 1 percent of hospitals nationwide earn this distinction and even less than that earn it two consecutive years in a row. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services stated that NMMC earned a DOUBLE 5-star recognition for both high quality services and patient satisfaction. In his leadership roles, Sirois was a strong advocate for access to healthcare services, especially mental health services, and cost effective, quality care.
“Peter served many years on the UMFK Nursing Advisory Council,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “He wrote numerous letters of support for our Nursing program’s efforts to secure grant and bond funding. His contributions to the growth of our program have been impactful and I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize his commitment to UMFK and to healthcare in the St. John Valley.”
In addition to his professional experience, Sirois has served as a role model, community leader, and active volunteer in service to the broader community. He worked as the administrator of the Maine Veterans Home in Scarborough and the administrator of Borderview Manor in Van Buren. He has served on several boards including Aroostook Mental Health Center, America’s First Mile, Acadia Federal Credit Union, Aroostook Home Health Services, Hanley Health Leadership Board, the Maine Hospital Association, Valley Home Health Services, Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation, and he is a member of the Fort Kent Lions Club.
Sirois is a trained paramedic, Registered Maine Guide, and a Maine Notary Public. He has been a licensed Maine Nursing Home Administrator since 1990. He holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a master of science degree in business administration from Husson College.
He retired in 2022 and lives with his wife of 40 years, Nola, in Eagle Lake. Together they have two beautiful daughters, Michelle and Nicole, and five grandsons.
