Winstead selected as new PCEDC executive director

Staff Report

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Christopher Winstead was selected as the new executive director for the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council at the Feb. 4 meeting of the Council’s executive committee.
    Matthew Pineo, Brownville town manager and current PCEDC president, said Winstead was chosen for the leadership post from a pool of 10 applicants. Winstead is expected to begin work for the council by Feb. 17.

    He will be introduced to PCEDC membership at the council’s quarterly meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16 from 4-7 p.m. at Pat’s Pizza in Milo. There is a $20 charge for the meal at that event.
    A Bangor resident, Winstead had worked as district representative for former Congressman Michael Michaud since 2011. During his tenure with the congressman’s Bangor office, his focus was on business and economic development within the rural communities of Maine, helping to link individuals, businesses and non-profits with federal, state and private sector resources.
    Winstead spent considerable time assisting constituents in Piscataquis County, and working with the PCEDC in recent years.
    “It is well known that I have a special affinity for Piscataquis County, a place where I have enjoyed both the people and the outdoors recreation opportunities,” said Winstead. “I believe there is a great deal of opportunity for Piscataquis County, and I believe that PCEDC can be successful with creating a diverse economy and increasing economic development. My goal is to help broker conversations, attract new businesses while retaining existing ones, and help connect PCEDC with a multitude of funding resources.”
    Prior to joining Congressman Michaud’s office, Winstead worked in the banking industry for eight years for two local community banks, first as a retail banking lender for Merrill Merchants Bank and later as a branch manager for Bangor Savings Bank. As a banker, he provided team leadership and actively engaged in economic development by providing lending solutions to facilitate the growth and expansion of businesses.
    Winstead is finishing a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Husson University, and has completed coursework at the University of Maine and the University of New England. He earned his financial management certificate from the Northern New England School of Banking.
    His community involvement includes current board membership with Penobscot Community Health Care and the Bangor Homeless Shelter, and service as a fund advisor for the Maine Community Foundation Equity Fund.
    Winstead was a founding member and past chair of the Fusion Bangor Steering Committee, and has also served on the boards of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Penobscot Theatre Company, Orono Land Trust and the Greater Old Town Communities that Care.
    The PCEDC was formed in 1997 as a public/private partnership with a goal of stimulating long-term sustainable development and growth in the region. Primary funding is provided by Piscataquis County Commissioners through the county budget.