The nationwide search for a new executive director at the Maine Municipal Association ended with the appointment of a well-known executive who works very close to home.

Stephen W. Gove, who has worked at MMA since 1980 and served as deputy executive director and director of the Maine Municipal Employees Health Trust insurance division since 2005, is the organization’s new executive director.

MMA’s executive committee announced its unanimous decision on Thursday. Gove replaces long-time Executive Director Christopher G. Lockwood, who retired in August after leading MMA for 36 years.

“It’s an honor. It’s a great opportunity,” said Gove. “I look forward to forging new relationships with our members and to exploring new opportunities for the association.”

Gove takes over an organization that is well-respected among municipal officials throughout the state. There are 491 municipalities in Maine, and 486 of them belong to MMA. Founded in 1936, the organization has 112 full- and part-time employees.

It provides an array of services to towns and cities, including advocacy in Augusta and Washington, D.C., self-funded health and risk management insurance services, training and communication, legal advice and assistance with labor negotiations and manager searches.

Stephan Bunker, president of MMA’s 12-member executive committee and Vice Chair of the Select Board in the Town of Farmington, said while Gove is a familiar figure in the municipal realm, that does not mean local officials or MMA staff should expect the status quo.

“The Executive Committee wants to make it clear, and has to Steve, that we want MMA to continue to grow, improve and innovate,” Bunker said. “This is no time for municipal government to stand pat.”

Gove is a graduate of the University of Maine, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in political science, and he holds a Master’s of Science degree from the Boston University College of Communication. He lives with his wife, Sheila Comerford, in East Winthrop. They have two adult children, Evan and Hilary.

Founded in 1936, the MMA is a voluntary, non-partisan, member-service organization to which 486 municipalities in Maine belong. It has a core belief that local government is a fundamental component of a democratic system of government. MMA’s services include advocacy, education and information, professional legal and personnel advisory services and self-funded group insurance programs.