BENNETT’S BACKGROUND & QUALIFICATIONS

James ‘Jim” Bennett was hired by the city of Biddeford in July 2015.

He is the city’s fourth professional manager. Prior to joining the city of Biddeford, Bennett was the City Manager for Presque Isle between 2010 and 2015. Bennett has also served as the Town Manager for the communities of Dixfield, Maine (1986-1988); New Gloucester, Maine (1988-1990); and Old Orchard Beach, Maine (1990-1997) as well as the Interim Town Manager for Sabattus, Maine (2009-2010). 

Bennett also served as the City Administrator for the city of Westbrook, Maine (1997-2002) and the city of Lewiston (2002-2009). 

His tenure as an elected Lisbon selectman was from 1982-1986. 

His nine-year tenure in Biddeford is the longest amount of time he has remained with one employer. His average length of employment since 1986 is 4.75 years.

QUALIFICATIONS:

According to the city’s website, Bennett has been recognized by the International City and County Management Association (ICMA) for outstanding programs:

• In 2002, for Westbrook’s Strategic Plan
• In 2006, for Lewiston’s Southern Gateway Project;
• In 2008 for Lewiston’s cost-saving Health Care Management by Prevention.

He was also designated the 2003 Manager of the Year by the Maine Town and City Management Association (MTCMA) and received the 2006 Public Service Leadership Award from the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce.

Bennett is the Past President of both the International City and County Management Association (2014 to 2015) and the Maine Town and City Management Association (1998 to 1999). He previously served as one of ICMA’s eighteen Vice-Presidents (2008 to 2011) representing the Northeast region (consisting of Washington DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and all six of the New England states).

After serving a couple of terms on Maine Municipal Associations Executive Committee (1992-1996 and 2018-2020), he currently serves as the Association’s Vice-President and will serve as the President in 2022. He has served in a number of other leadership roles throughout his career.