Charlotte White Center names interim CEO

DOVER-FOXCROFT — After conducting a nationwide search for a highly-qualified candidate, the Charlotte White Center has announced that Charles Newton, former CEO of Penquis, will lead the organization as interim CEO starting April 3. Newton will replace current CEO Richard Brown, who announced his retirement last year after nearly 38 years at the helm of the Charlotte White Center.
“Charlie is a highly respected non-profit leader throughout the Community Action network and beyond,” said Cynthia Freeman Cyr, president of the Charlotte White Center board. “We are very pleased to have Charlie in this critical role of interim CEO during this time of leadership transition. The organization and the communities we serve are fortunate to have an executive of Charlie’s caliber at the helm.”
Newton served as CEO of Penquis from 1987 to 2014. He led the organization during a time of expansion and transition, overseeing an increase in staff from 150 to 425 and a parallel growth in budget size.
During his tenure at Penquis, the organization developed multiple programs to assist Maine citizens experiencing poverty, including an expansion of Head Start and child care, multiple subsidized housing developments and energy assistance programs.
At the time of Newton’s retirement, Penquis had over 100 grants and contracts from numerous private corporations, private foundations, private donors and 14 different federal and state departments. Since his retirement, Newton has been active on several boards, including Maine Migrant Health Services, Eastern Maine Health System and the Charlotte White Center.
The Charlotte White Center provides quality community health and social services for adults, children and families affected by cognitive or developmental disabilities, behavioral or mental health challenges, domestic violence, cerebral palsy, or acquired brain injuries.
Brown will be available in a consulting role with Newton until June 30, after which he will begin his retirement.