Healthy Lincoln County has named Kelsey Robinson as its new executive director, effective July 1, 2021. Robinson succeeds Kate Martin who has served as the director since October, 2015. Martin has accepted a new position within MCD Public Health, a nonprofit global public health organization based in Augusta, and Healthy Lincoln County’s fiscal agent.

“I have learned so much in my time at HLC, and while it is bittersweet, I’m thrilled to say I’ll still be connected to HLC, both as a community member, and as a colleague within our parent organization,” Martin said.

Robinson, a Lincoln County native, is looking forward to returning to her hometown. Growing up in Damariscotta, she attended Great Salt Bay School and Lincoln Academy.

“I have always had many meaningful connections to Lincoln County. It’s where I grew up. It’s where my roots are. My children attend school and daycare here,” Robinson said.

Robinson earned a medical biology degree from the University of New England, and while home from school, she spent her summers working at Mobius, Inc. and Muscongus Bay Lobster. She went on to earn a master’s of public health from The George Washington University. It was while she was completing her graduate studies that she first came to Healthy Lincoln County for her practicum experience. Shortly after, she joined MCD Public Health as a full-time employee, developing experience in several areas including chronic disease prevention. Most recently, she has been managing an employee wellness program.

In her new role, Robinson will be responsible for leading the local community health organization, with a focus on deepening community relationships, oversight and administration of Healthy Lincoln County’s various programs and projects, and building the capacity of the staff, volunteers, and community to prevent disease and promote healthy behaviors.

“I started my public health career at Healthy Lincoln County as a part-time intern. Now, to return as the director, it is such a full circle experience. I look forward to giving back and working in the community that raised me. I can’t wait to dig in to the vital work that Healthy Lincoln County has championed in our community,” Robinson said.