THOMASTON — Thomaston Place Auction Galleries announced the appointment of Paula Houst as its new chief financial officer and David Robichaud as its new chief operations officer.

Kaja Veilleux, founder and owner of the galleries, said the new positions are to enhance the company’s growth and positioning as Northern New England’s premium fine art and antique auction firm.

“Our focus is to continue to provide the people of Maine and beyond world class service and expanded international market reach for our clients,” he said, in a news release. “In addition to staff additions, Thomaston Place sales room has gone through several upgrades in order to increase the live bidder experience and installed a multi-camera video system that will export a real time live video stream for the benefit of remote bidders around the world.”  

Houst brings a strong background in finance and systems automation. Her past positions include health care administration and tourism. A native of Cape Cod, Houst served as senior Vice President and general manager for Tourco and CEO/CFO for Maine based DLTC Healthcare.  

“Thomaston Place has always been so highly regarded by the people and communities of Midcoast Maine that the opportunity to join the team at TPAG was too good to pass up,” she said, in the release.

Robichaud joined the galleries after a long career as an interior designer and restaurateur. 

His experience and ability to create positive client experiences compliments Thomaston Place’s continued commitment to service excellence. 

He has owned and operated three businesses in the Midcoast: 51 Bayview Street and Cappy’s Chowder House in Camden, and Summersport Mercantile, in South Thomaston. He also owned Surroundings Antiques and Interiors of Indianapolis, Indiana.

After being a buyer at Thomaston Place for over 20 years, I look forward to continuing TPAG’s long standing tradition of exceptional service to both buyers and sellers,”  he said.

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries is on U.S. Route 1 in Thomaston.  Thomaston Place is a leader in discovering Maine’s antique and fine art treasures by offering free walk-in appraisals.