WATERMAN'S COMMUNITY CENTER NAMES CECILY PINGREE AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CALLIE DAVISSON AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
North Haven, Maine — May 18, 2026 — Following a competitive four-month search that attracted a strong field of candidates from the Midcoast and beyond, the Waterman’s Community Center Board of Trustees is pleased to announce new leadership, appointing Cecily Pingree as Executive Director alongside the promotion of longtime staff member Callie Davisson to the newly created role of Director of Operations.
Pingree and Davisson will step into these roles formally at Waterman’s Annual Meeting in October 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization. Pingree succeeds Christie Hallowell, who is retiring after 21 remarkable years at the helm of the island institution.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cecily as our new Executive Director,” said Alison Cabot, Chair of Waterman’s Board of Trustees. “Her deep roots in Maine’s arts, environmental, educational, and hospitality communities, combined with her proven ability to build and sustain successful ventures, make her the ideal person to carry forward Christie’s extraordinary legacy and lead Waterman’s into its next chapter with vision, creativity, and deep commitment to community. I am equally pleased to announce Callie’s well-deserved promotion. Her expanded remit will fully leverage her outstanding operational and marketing expertise. Waterman’s stands to benefit enormously from this dynamic leadership team.”
Cecily Pingree’s broad experience spans business development, team leadership, complex project management, fundraising, mission-driven ventures, and creative collaboration. She is known for her collaborative approach to team building, problem-solving, and strategic vision.
A North Haven native and longtime resident, Pingree brings a deep commitment to community and a strong record of leadership. She redeveloped and managed Calderwood Hall, a successful island business, for more than a decade, and currently serves on the North Haven Community School Board as well as several statewide education- and climate-focused boards. Pingree has worked in outdoor leadership for many years with Hurricane Island Outward Bound and in the arts with numerous film companies. She holds a degree in studio art from Lewis & Clark College and has experience with both Maine College of Art & Design and Maine Media Workshops.
As Executive Director, Pingree will work closely with Davisson, staff, trustees, and the broader island community to guide Waterman’s into its next chapter by advancing the organization’s mission, supporting staff, implementing strategic and programmatic initiatives, and overseeing fundraising and financial management.
“I am honored to step into this role at an organization so profoundly shaped by Christie’s leadership and dedication,” said Pingree. “Waterman’s is central to so much of island life, and I look forward to working alongside Callie, the staff, and our community to help shape and sustain its next chapter.”
In her expanded role as Director of Operations, Davisson will continue to oversee many of Waterman’s core operational and administrative functions, including facilities, systems, communications, finance, merchandising, and organizational operations. Working in close partnership with Pingree, she will help ensure the seamless coordination of programs and activities while strengthening organizational systems, staff support, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement across all areas of Waterman’s work.
“I am so proud to be stepping into this role at such an important moment for Waterman’s,” said Callie Davisson. “This community means so much to me, and I’m excited to work alongside Cecily and the exceptional Waterman’s team to build on the incredible foundation Christie has created and continue supporting the people and programs that make this place so special.”
Davisson holds a BA in Communication from Suffolk University and a Certificate in Graphic Design from Lesley University. She has gained valuable experience working for nonprofit organizations on North Haven as both an employee and freelance graphic designer and fundraising consultant. Her work has included supporting the North Haven Community School Building Fund Campaign for the new school facility, serving as Administrative Assistant at the North Haven Historical Society, and providing graphic design services to North Haven Sustainable Housing and North Haven Conservation Partners. She has been an employee of Waterman’s since 2017.
Christie Hallowell, who joined Waterman’s in 2005, transformed the organization into the vibrant cultural hub it is today. Her vision, dedication, and deep love of North Haven are woven into every corner of Waterman’s, and her legacy will be felt for generations to come.
Hallowell’s retirement will be joyfully celebrated at Waterman’s Annual Benefit on July 22, 2026, at Turner Farm on North Haven. The event promises to be a festive evening of island food, music, dancing, and community.
About Waterman’s Community Center
Waterman’s Community Center is North Haven’s year-round gathering place for arts, culture, learning, and community life. From the island’s preschool and summer camps to workshops, exhibitions, live performances, and community events, Waterman’s creates opportunities for connection, creativity, and enrichment for residents and visitors of all ages.