Executive Director hiring marks new chapter of renewed focus on mission, identity, and initiatives for the non-profit organization that supports a growing Maine startup community
Startup Maine, the state’s leading organization dedicated to supporting Maine’s startup ecosystem, today announced the appointment of Sarah Smith as its new Executive Director. This hire signals the next chapter for the organization – transitioning from a volunteer-led group to one with a full-time staff, made possible through a $325,000 matching grant from the Maine Technology Institute (MTI).
Supported by this funding and the organization’s expanded capacity with Sarah, Startup Maine will build on its existing initiatives and events while boosting efforts to help startups start, scale, and grow in the state. These efforts will include elevating Maine founders through enhanced storytelling and national visibility, championing startups and regional growth by serving as a voice for founders and their teams, providing new pathways for collaboration, strengthening community and economic development partnerships, and amplifying events – including Startup Maine Week, the organization’s flagship event – which is scheduled for May 18–21, 2026.
“Having served on the board of Startup Maine for two years, it’s an honor to step into this leadership role at a time of growth for Maine’s startup ecosystem,” said Sarah Smith, Executive Director. “What began as a volunteer-driven effort has grown alongside an expanding ecosystem of founders, partners, and supporters into a community of over 5,000 people. Our goal is to help Maine companies start and scale more effectively by strengthening connections to customers, resources, opportunities, and each other. I look forward to working with our board to advance this mission over the coming years.”
Sarah brings nearly a decade of experience at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community building. She began her career as a Venture for America Fellow in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she scaled a global fintech accelerator and became deeply engaged in the city’s startup community. She then joined Ernst & Young, where she launched and led an innovation center, EY wavespace™, partnering with corporations, startups, nonprofits, and the City of Charlotte to align innovation initiatives with the region’s economic development goals.
After relocating to Maine, Sarah continued her work in innovation through VentureFuel, a business innovation consultancy. There, she led the team supporting Comcast NBCUniversal’s LIFT Labs Enterprise Accelerator, connecting high-growth AI startups with company business leaders to drive long-term partnerships. A graduate of Georgetown University and Startup Maine Board Member since 2024, Sarah is passionate about building community, strengthening local economies, and helping founders turn bold ideas into impact.
Katie Shorey, who has served as Startup Maine’s president for ten years, will transition from her leadership role to continue serving as an active board member and will remain deeply engaged with the startup community.
“Since 2016, I’ve had the opportunity to help advance Startup Maine into what it is today,” said Katie. “I’m deeply proud of the work we’ve done to support Maine’s startup ecosystem, and I’m excited to see Sarah step into the role of our first full-time Executive Director as the organization enters its next chapter.”
Alongside Katie, other leading members of Startup Maine’s board of directors are also looking ahead to the organization’s next chapter.
“Startup Maine is at a pivotal point in its trajectory, scaling in tandem with the startup ecosystem here in Maine to ensure the community is able to thrive,” said Chris Wolfel and David Engle, Board Co-Chairs for Startup Maine. “We’re energized by the momentum of the startup community and Startup Maine, and we look forward to working with Sarah as we deepen our impact and continue advancing a connected, thriving startup ecosystem in the state.”
Startup Maine’s work is supported by annual sponsors TriNet – an Administrative Services Organization (ASO) that simplifies HR, payroll, and compliance for small and medium-sized businesses, Maine Technology Institute (MTI) – a nonprofit that invests in Maine’s innovation economy and provided the matching grant to Startup Maine, Wilmington Trust – a leading financial services firm, and The Maine Graduate and Professional Center, University of Maine System – a hub for graduate and professional education, entrepreneurship, and innovation supporting the growth and development of Maine’s economy. This announcement comes ahead of Startup Maine Week (May 18–21, 2026), with an announcement on conference sponsors to be made in the coming weeks.
“We’re proud to support Startup Maine as they help new ideas grow, scale, and strengthen Maine’s innovation economy,” said Brian Whitney, President of Maine Technology Institute (MTI). “Our grant represents an ongoing commitment to the future of our state’s startup ecosystem – supporting ecosystem builders like Startup Maine that drive long-term economic success.”
To pre-register for the organization’s annual Startup Maine Week, please click here. For those interested in speaking, leading a workshop, or pitching during the week, submit your session idea here.
