Connors honored
Dana Connors, longtime president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Maine during the college’s 213th commencement on May 9.
As the leader of the state’s largest and most diverse business association for more than 20 years, Connors oversees the Maine State Chamber’s broad range of activities: advocacy efforts, economic development initiatives, workforce development opportunities, and a wide variety of member services on behalf of the state’s business community.
“Being a board member of the chamber for a number of years and currently serving as chair, I have had the pleasure of working with Dana on numerous legislative issues where his ability to inform and lead is truly remarkable,” said Maine State Chamber Board of Directors Chair Melinda Poore. “Maine is fortunate to have such a thoughtful, influential leader and collaborator in its midst. This honor is well deserved.”
Connors began his career as the city manager of Presque Isle, a position he held for 16 years. He then spent 11 years serving the state of Maine as commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation, serving under two governors. Connors led Gov. Angus King’s transition team prior to becoming president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in 1994.
A Maine native, Connors received a bachelor’s degree in public management from UMaine in 1965. He has been appointed by the governor to serve on the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and the State of Maine Governor’s Business Roundtable for Early Childhood Development. Other boards on which he currently serves include the Maine Economic Research Institute, the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Maine & Company.
Connors, an Easton native, has received numerous awards for his service and leadership.
