Waban has announced Jennifer Putnam as the agency’s incoming Executive Director. Starting in February, Putnam will work closely with Waban’s current head, Neal Meltzer, over the next year to ensure a seamless transition.
Putnam comes to Waban with an abundance of experience in nonprofit leadership and advocacy in the intellectual and developmental disabilities community. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of The Progress Center in Norway, Maine, where she expanded programming for both children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and tripled the Center’s operating budget.
Putnam currently serves on the boards of the Maine Association for Community Services Providers, the Maine Developmental Services Oversight and Advisory Board, and Community Housing of Maine. Through her work with these organizations, Putnam has played a significant role in the development and implementation of major pieces of legislation aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Putnam received her Master of Business Administration from St. Joseph’s College. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Maine and earned a certificate in Leadership Studies from the University of Southern Maine.
Executive Director
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Waban—an organization that has changed the lives of countless children and adults with disabilities,” said Putnam. “The commitment and dedication of the staff to program participants and the impact Waban has had on its community is truly inspiring. It is my honor to be joining this team, as I believe together, we can continue to flourish as agency—making us a leader in advocating for the folks who depend on us.”
Waban’s current executive director, Neal Meltzer, has led the agency for the last 15 years. Meltzer has worked to ensure the agency is self-sustaining and provides the highest quality services to its program participants. Under his leadership, Waban has expanded existing supports, opened a social enterprise known as SecureRMS, added an autism therapy wing to its Fraser-Ford Child Development Center, and more. As a result of his dedication, Waban is recognized as an agency that drives change and finds solutions to the challenges facing this community.
“Waban is incredibly fortunate to have Jennifer as its new executive director,” said Meltzer. “Her years of experience and passion for the work we do will ensure that Waban’s legacy of making a difference continues on for years to come.”
Emily Spenser
Director, Communications and Development
Waban Projects, Inc.
5 Dunaway Drive, Sanford, Maine
Phone: (207) 324-7955
Email: espencer@waban.org
Website: www.waban.org
