Join us on October 14th for our October Women's Network Luncheon featuring Laurie Lachance, President Emerita of Thomas College!

This month’s presentation, Life After Retirement: If I Knew Then What I Know Now, will explore the realities of life after a career, offering reflections on the opportunities, challenges, and lessons that come with retirement.

Drawing from personal experience, our speaker will share insights on planning for this new chapter, finding purpose beyond the workplace, and making the most of the years ahead with confidence and fulfillment.

Meet your Speaker

Laurie Lachance was named President Emerita November of 2024, after serving 12 years as Thomas College’s 5th President, where she was the first female and alumni to lead the College in its 130-year history. She was formerly President & CEO of the Maine Development Foundation and served three governors as the Maine State Economist. Prior to her work with state government, Laurie served as the Corporate Economist for Central Maine Power Company.

A frequent author and speaker on leadership, education, and the Maine economy, Laurie holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Bowdoin College, an MBA from Thomas College, and Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Bowdoin College, and Thomas College. She has been inducted into the Maine Women’s Hall of Fame and the Junior Achievement Maine Business Hall of Fame. Governor Mills appointed Laurie as the Co-Chair of Maine’s Economic Recovery Committee in 2020. She has served on a number of boards over her career and currently serves on the boards of MEMIC, Bangor Savings Bank, and Versant Power Company.

Laurie retired in 2025 and resides in Manchester, Maine, with her husband, David. She cherishes time spent at camp with her growing family, and friends, enjoying hiking, boating, and the natural beauty of Maine.