ROCKLAND — After a comprehensive search, Nicole Chaplin will join Area Interfaith Outreach (AIO) as the organization’s next Executive Director, succeeding Alan Kearl, who is retiring from his position following years of dedicated leadership and service to the organization and the people of Knox County, according to the AIO Board of Directors, in a news release.

Chaplin brings more than 20 years of community-based nonprofit leadership experience and believes deeply in the power of relationships, collaboration, and community, according to the Board. She is passionate about bringing people together to build strong, responsive organizations that help individuals and families thrive. Most recently Chaplin served as the Director of Early Childhood Programming / Head Start with Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP), where she led a successful $3M campaign for a new innovative educational wing in the Margaret Chase Smith Community School in Skowhegan. 

“We are excited that Nicole Chaplin is joining AIO," said Ted Long, AIO Board Chair. "She is an accomplished leader who combines a deep commitment to serving others with expert professional knowledge and skill. She will certainly strengthen and extend AIO’s capacity to serve the needs of Knox County citizens.” 

In this role, Chaplin will oversee the organization's strategic growth, program development, community engagement initiatives, as well as lead the development activities to raise the necessary funds to support the organization. She will work closely with the board of directors, lead the staff, and collaborate with community partners to advance AIO’s mission.

“I am truly honored and excited to join an organization with such a strong commitment to the community and to the people it serves,” said Chaplin.

A transition from Kearl to Chaplin will take place over the course of November with Chaplin assuming full responsibility November 26. 

Now in our 37th year, AIO Food and Energy Assistance provides nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families without judgement, always with compassion. Funding and access to AIO’s programs are more critical than ever as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to continue to increase. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. During the past year, AIO has supported over 2,400 unique households, which is more than 13.5% of Knox County. AIO has distributed more than 100,000 meals and snacks to students through our weekend meals program. During the first nine months of the year, AIO’s Energy Assistance Program has made more than 1,500 payments to help  households with heating assistance or electrical disconnection prevention. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.