WATERVILLE, MAINE – Oct. 27, 2026 – The Waterville-based Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) has hired Nathan Bernard as project manager of technology, innovation and infrastructure. The new role focuses on municipal government innovation, rural infrastructure modernization and regional economic growth.
Bernard will lead technology and infrastructure projects with member municipalities, expand data analytics capabilities for the Dirigo Labs business incubator, and develop innovation initiatives across CMGC’s network of municipal, business, academic and community partners.
He most recently served as a community development specialist in Waterville’s City Manager office. Before that, he was grants and program manager at the Alfond Youth and Community Center.
Bernard began his career in the technology industry. He was a project manager at Code for America, a national nonprofit that develops government software and technology policy programs. He also built software companies in New York City that raised capital, reached hundreds of thousands of users, and were featured in Business Insider, The Boston Globe and The Next Web.
Bernard earned a bachelor’s degree in operations, engineering, and technology management from Boston University. He is pursuing a master’s in public policy, planning and management from the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service.
“CMGC provides a unique opportunity to expand my public service work across the region and help Central Maine navigate critical issues, including artificial intelligence, climate resilient infrastructure, affordability and public health crises,” Bernard said.
About the Central Maine Growth Council
The Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust and sustainable economy, supporting startup ecosystems through Dirigo Labs, and advancing community development initiatives.
About Dirigo Labs
Dirigo Labs, the innovation and entrepreneurship hub of the Central Maine Growth Council, is a Waterville-based startup accelerator and incubator serving founders across Maine. Through its 16-week Accelerator, the Dirigo Launch Incubator, and the Dirigo Model financial-readiness course, Dirigo Labs connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and partners to help turn innovative ideas into scalable companies and high-value jobs. Its alumni have achieved more than 115 product and service launches and surpassed $35 million in combined sales and capital raised.
Media ContactGarvan D. DoneganPresident & CEOCentral Maine Growth CouncilDirigo Labsgdonegan@centralmaine.org