The Maine Primary Care Association (MPCA), a membership organization representing the collective voices of Maine’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), has announced the appointment of Marge Kilkelly as the organization’s policy program manager. In her role, Kilkelly will manage the organization’s grassroots advocacy efforts, serve as a key health policy advisor and liaison between MPCA, our community health centers and key stakeholders at the local, state and federal levels.

Kilkelly brings nearly 40 years of policy and program experience to the position from directing non-profits, including Head Start, domestic violence programs, and advocacy groups; to working in all levels of government, serving 16 years in the Maine Legislature, four years as a town selectman and most recently six years in D.C. as a Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Angus King Jr.

Darcy Shargo, CEO, Maine Primary Care Association, said, “Marge is a passionate advocate for the people and communities of rural Maine, and we are thrilled that she has joined our team. Marge has worked tirelessly as a Senate staffer to promote expanded access to health care for all Maine people. In fact, earlier this year we were pleased to present her with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) “Health Center Hero” Award for her accomplishments in support of Maine’s community health centers.”

Kilkelly completed her MS in community economic development at Southern New Hampshire University and has participated in several fellowship programs. She was an Eisenhower Fellow in Central Europe studying rural economic development on the cusp of EU integration; a New England Rural Leaders fellow; and a Brooks Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government. In 2005, she completed a two-year leadership academy with the New England Farm Bureau.

Commenting on her appointment, Kilkelly said, “I am so excited to be working to support the critical work of community health centers across the state. I see health centers as gateways to health, not only for the over 210,000 people directly served each year, but also to the communities themselves that are strengthened by having local access to quality care for their citizens.”

Kilkelly and her husband, Joseph Murray, live in Dresden on Dragonfly Cove Farm, where they raise meat goats, poultry and pigs for local markets.

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