Susan | Four Directions Team

Four Directions Development Corporation Announces New Executive Director Search

ORONO, Maine – The Four Directions Development Corporation Board of Directors announced that Executive Director, Susan Hammond, will be leaving her position in December of 2021.

As one of the organization’s founders, Susan has dedicated two decades to establishing Four Directions as one of the preeminent Native American Community Development Financial Institutions (NCDFI) in the nation.

“Susan Hammond has been such a tremendous asset to Four Directions,” said Board Chairman Stan Meader. “She has steered the organization successfully through good times, recessions, and even a pandemic. Whether it be financial strength, client loyalty, growth, profitability, reputation or any other measure of success, Susan has been the key driver. While she will be sorely missed, Four Directions has a strong, cohesive and committed team in place to guide the organization to future growth and success. On both a personal and professional level, I’ve grown to respect and admire Susan, and will greatly miss working closely with her.”

A citizen of the Penobscot Indian Nation, Susan’s career in community development began after graduating from the University of Maine. In her first professional job, she assisted with economic development for the Penobscot Nation government. Over ten years, she held a series of leadership positions in the Tribe’s vocational education center, planning/economic development department, health center, and finally, as director of the housing department before starting Four Directions. She was also on the Penobscot Tribal Council for eight years.

“I have had the honor of serving Wabanaki communities throughout my career. My greatest joy has been seeing Native people buy or improve their homes, start small businesses, and build their financial know-how. With the help of many tremendous partners in Maine and across the country, we’ve accomplished so much. Though there is more to do to ensure fairness and justice for tribal people, I am confident in the board and staff to select a new leader to carry out our mission to its fullest.”

About Four Directions Development Corporation

FDDC is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to improve the social and economic conditions of the Wabanaki tribes in Maine – the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot – through education and investment in affordable housing, tribal business ventures, and Native entrepreneurship.