Amundsen named KVCOG executive director

FAIRFIELD — The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments Board of Directors has selected Ole Amundsen III as executive director. Amundsen assumed the role Jan. 4.
“I am honored to have been selected to lead KVCOG as its next executive director,” Amundsen said. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the KVCOG team to continue providing high-quality and valuable services to the municipalities of the Kennebec Valley. As an organization, KVCOG focus is to have a positive and meaningful impact for the region and beyond. I am very much looking forward to leading KVCOG in this essential mission.”
Amundsen succeeds Laura Cyr, who left KVCOG to join the University of Maine System in October. Amundsen’s leadership appointment is a product of a rigorous and competitive national search, undertaken by the members of KVCOG’s Search Committee, made up of members of the KVCOG Board of Directors and local business leaders.
Amundsen is a resident of Waterville and has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofits and 10 years of experience in redevelopment and economic development in rural communities.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Ole’s caliber and experience in this leadership role for KVCOG,” said Richard LaBelle, board president. “KVCOG is at a critical moment where renewed leadership will help us to successfully serve our region through, and beyond, the impact of the current pandemic.”
KVCOG is a non-profit organization serving 62 municipalities in Somerset, Kennebec, and western Waldo counties. It provides a coordinated approach for planning and economic development at the local and regional level and has been a leader in economic development, environmental, land use, and transportation planning with a wide array of professional talent among its staff for the past 50 years.