Helping Maine leaders scale up and strengthen their leadership skills

Launched in 2020, the Visionary Leadership Program (VLP) was a collaboration with MCE, the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center and Bangor Savings Bank. The program provides development opportunities for leaders of startups and small businesses in Maine.

Through monthly virtual meetings, the program builds a strong peer group, teaches leadership skills and tools for today’s business challenges, and introduces participants to experienced Maine business and thought leaders. The 2020-2021 pilot cohort had 14 members representing 12 different companies and 2021-2022 cohort had 13 members representing 13 different companies. All possessing a range of sectors and businesses across Maine. The VLP is co-facilitated by Skip Bates, SVP and Director of Main Street Banking at Bangor Savings Bank. Each session features a guest speaker from the Maine business and leadership communities.  

For applicants

If you are interested in applying for the next VLP cohort, we’d love to hear from you! Applications for 2024 will be open SOON! The cohort meets for 2 hours approximately one evening every three weeks, starting in January of 2024, with small group discussions and optional reading assignments between sessions. We welcome applications from senior and emerging leaders at Maine-based companies in any sector with five or more employees. We particularly look for candidates who have a growth mindset and are willing to put in the work to become better leaders for their company and their community. If you think you’d be a great fit for our program, please email Laurie Johnson (ljohnson@mced.biz) to learn more about the application process.

Member Companies