Welcoming Jim Grasky

The Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute has welcomed Jim Grasky as Director of Finance & Operations.

In this role, he will manage the Institute’s financial accounts, budgets, payments, payroll, employee benefits, and all organizational operations.

Grasky joins the Institute in serving 555 Olympia’s Leaders (OLs)—program participants, 222 Olympia’s Leaders Advisors (OLAs)—business and community leaders serving as their mentors, and 37 School Contacts as they navigate the “My Values” (10th grade), “My Voice” (11th grade), and “My Vision” (12th grade) program raising the confidence, aspirations, and leadership skills of high school girls across Maine.

Executive Director Christina McAnuff shared,

“because the Institute raises every dollar to keep its leadership program at no cost to OLs and their high schools, it is critical we have a knowledgeable, capable, and experienced leader tracking and reporting on the hundreds of donations from corporations, foundations, and individuals we are fortunate to receive annually. And, as we embark on our next five-year strategic plan focused on systems and process improvement, we will no doubt benefit from Jim’s energy, insight, and collaborative nature.”

Founder and Former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe added,

“Jim’s established career in financial management and youth-focused community engagement made him a clear fit for his new role. I am incredibly pleased he has joined the team and is committed to identifying the most efficient and cost-effective operations for the Institute, allowing us to continue developing girls across the state into the leaders they hope to be.”

For more than 30 years, Grasky has worked in progressive accounting and finance roles in the manufacturing and service industries, spending time in a large Fortune 500 company as well as small, local, and family-owned businesses. He also has a lengthy history of coaching high school and youth hockey in Maine.

Grasky holds a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Accounting from Mercyhurst College, as well as certifications in Financial Management and Six Sigma Training. He lives in Cumberland with his wife and son.

Grasky commented,

“Of all the Maine nonprofits, none spoke to me more than the Institute. Senator Snowe’s vision of creating generations of young leaders is tremendously inspiring, and the curriculum behind it is impressive too. It is such an honor to give my time and skills to her legacy.”