“From the outset,” Lockwood said, “I viewed my role as that of a steward. The organization has changed significantly during this 36-year period as our programs evolved to assist our members in meeting new challenges. Yet, we have strived to keep our core mission the same, providing quality service to our members.”
Maine has 492 municipalities, and 487 belong to MMA, a voluntary, non-partisan organization formed in 1936, when eight municipalities came together to have a common voice on legislative matters at the Statehouse.
During Lockwood’s tenure, the Association added the Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust and Risk Management Services self-funded programs. MMA’s Property & Casualty Risk Pool, formed in 1987, came about after commercial insurance companies across the country abruptly terminated essential liability coverage for municipal governments.
MMA has maintained its high-profile advocacy work at the Statehouse and has been involved in several successful statewide campaigns concerning so-called “citizen initiatives” that were placed before voters and would have had a significant effect on municipal services.
MMA also provides members with expert legal advisory services, executive search assistance and
help with labor negotiations, and training that is provided through more than 80 conferences and workshops annually.
“I have appreciated the strong support of the Executive Committee, Health Trust Board and other MMA program boards, the Legislative Policy Committee and MMA’s members throughout the state,” said Lockwood. “I am particularly proud and appreciative of the dedicated work of MMA’s highly talented staff over these many years.”
Some of MMA’s top Executive Committee leaders praised Lockwood for his calm, steady and strong leadership style.
Nick Mavodones, Jr., City Councilor in Portland and a Past President of MMA, said Lockwood has done a “masterful job” leading a sophisticated organization for more than three decades.
“He has always exemplified a unique ability to not only understand the discreet details of a variety of complex municipal matters, but also to provide the focus necessary to step back and view them from a 10,000-foot level,” Mavodones said. “Chris’ dedication and service to the residents of Maine’s towns and cities will be incredibly challenging to duplicate.”
Anne Swift-Kayatta, a former Cape Elizabeth Town Councilor and former MMA President, noted that Lockwood, his staff and municipal leaders have dealt with many issues and surprises.
“For 36 years, Chris Lockwood has guided MMA through many challenges – several major state referenda, legislative action, budget pressures and a general call for the reassessment of the role of local government in our special State of Maine,” Swift-Kayatta said.
“At the same time, he has built a team of seasoned professionals second to none and ensured that high-quality legal, training, advocacy and insurance services have been provided efficiently and effectively to and for MMA’s members.
“He has done so with grace, patience, strength, and steadiness, all in service to Maine’s cities and towns and their citizens. His hard work, strategic thinking and leadership have ensured that MMA has become an important and respected voice for municipal government in Maine. His achievements will endure long after his retirement.”
"Much to his credit, Chris leaves the MMA in superb shape as an organization,” said Stephan Bunker, Selectman in the Town of Farmington and current President of MMA.
Bunker said MMA’s Executive Committee discussed Lockwood’s retirement at its March meeting. The 12-person committee has begun the process of retaining an executive search firm to assist it in the process of recruiting Lockwood’s successor.
“As Chris has graciously given us an extended notice, we anticipate little break between his departure and the selection of a new executive director,” Bunker said. “The newly selected executive director will build upon a strong legacy left by Chris and will be poised to lead MMA into the next chapter of service and advocacy for its membership communities."
Lockwood said his admiration for the men and women who serve their towns and cities kept his spirits up and motivation high throughout his tenure at MMA.
“I have the utmost respect for the dedicated people who serve their communities as elected officials, appointed officials, volunteers and as municipal employees,” he said. “MMA is their organization and we take pride in providing high-quality services and advocating on their behalf.”
Lockwood is a graduate of St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. and he holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University Of Washington Graduate School Of Public Affairs.
Lockwood, who lives in Hallowell with his wife, Cindy, said he looks forward to retirement and perhaps continuing to write children’s and other books, a pastime that he began recently with a book entitled, “The Tennis Ball Trees.”
Cindy and Chris Lockwood have four children: Sarah Payne, of Connecticut; Nate, in Michigan; Aaron, in Topsham; and, Joel, in Oakland. They have nine grandchildren.
For more information contact: Eric Conrad, MMA’s Director of Communication & Educational Services, at 207-623-8428 or econrad@memun.org
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