A lifelong resident of Maine, James ‘Jim’ A. Bennett grew up in the Town of Lisbon. He spent nearly every day of his adult life serving residents of multiple Maine communities. As member of Ancient York Lodge in Lisbon Falls since 1983, his masonic teachings assisted as he assumed various leadership roles.
Jim currently serves the residents of Biddeford, Maine as their City Manager. He has held that position since 2015. He has previously served as the municipal manager for the communities of Presque Isle (2010-2015), Sabattus (2009-2010), Lewiston (2002-2009), Westbrook (1997-2002), Old Orchard Beach (1990-1997), New Gloucester (1988-1990) and Dixfield (1986-1988). Jim began his career serving the Town of Lisbon an elected selectman from 1982 to 1986.
Jim has served in numerous leadership roles within his professional associations, most notably serving as the President of the Maine Town & City Management Association (MTCMA) 1998-1999, the President of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) 2014-2015 after serving as one of the eighteen regional Vice-Presidents (2008-2011), and Presidentof Maine Municipal Association (MMA) 2022.
Jim has been recognized multiple times by his professional peers including receiving the prestigious MTCMA Manager of the Year in 2003. He also received the 2006 Public Service Award from the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce. He has been a multiple ICMA program winner.
Jim is well known as an expert within his profession, speaking and presenting on many different municipal and leadership topics over his career. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor for both the University of Southern Maine Muskie School of Public Service (a Master’s level program) and Andover College in the Business Department.
Jim’s masonic life began as a member of the Auburn Chapter of DeMolay. He served as their Master Councilor and also at the state level as the Maine State Senior Councilor. He regrets that his decision to attend college out of state as well as finances prevented him from serving as the State Master Councilor. He is a 40 year Mason, having served as Worship Master of Ancient York Lodge in 2007. He has been a very active member of Kora Shriners since 2000 participating as ‘Ginjo’ in the Klown Unit.
An avid golfer, Harley-Davidson rider and snowmobiler, Jim is married to the former Deb Hagan of Brunswick and they have two adult children, Mitchell & Amanda. Mitchell is a fellow Kora Shrine Mason and a member of the Klown Unit as ‘MoJo’.
