LuAnn Ballesteros, vice president, External and Government Affairs, was awarded the prestigious Kenneth M. Curtis Leadership Award from the Maine Development Foundation in a ceremony held this spring in Saco, Maine.
The Kenneth M. Curtis award, which is named in honor of the two-term Governor and former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, is awarded annually to people who have “given selflessly of themselves and demonstrated exceptional leadership in achieving extraordinary things for Maine.”
LuAnn is one of Maine’s leading voices advocating for state investments to sustain a strong research and development economy. In 2016, she helped advance legislation leading to a $50 million R&D bond, which was overwhelmingly approved by Maine voters in 2017. Competitive grants awarded as part of this statewide investment created over $1 billion in additional economic activity and led to over 5,000 new jobs, including at JAX’s Charles E. Hewett Center.
LuAnn’s career at JAX has progressed from senior development director to vice president of External and Government Affairs. She leads a team who work one-on-one with state leaders and community partners in Maine, Connecticut, California, and Washington, D.C. to advance the JAX mission through community engagement and advocacy efforts.
Beyond her professional work, LuAnn has been an influential figure in Maine's economic and workforce development as a member of the Maine Economic Growth Council and the State Workforce Board, appointed by governors from both major political parties. LuAnn also serves as Chair of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, the state’s leading business advocacy organization.
Her advocacy efforts have had a macro impact while also touching lives on a personal level. LuAnn has been a trusted advisor and mentor to emerging leaders through the JAX Hewett Leadership program, offering guidance and support to foster their growth. Her contributions through the JAX Community Contributions program demonstrate her commitment to community well-being, supporting critical community services and programs that align with the JAX mission.
"LuAnn Ballesteros embodies the essence of leadership, community service, and commitment to progress, making her a deserving recipient of the Kenneth M. Curtis Leadership Award," said Lon Cardon, JAX president and CEO. "Her unwavering dedication and impactful initiatives not only shape the future of our institution but also reflect the true spirit of collaborative growth and innovation across Maine."