FREEPORT – Freeport Town Councilor Melanie Sachs has been named the new executive director of Freeport Community Services, and will replace the retiring Bob Lyman on July 1.

“I could not be more thrilled,” said Sachs, 44. “I’ve been involved in the organization for a long time and know the value of it. I’m already familiar with the amazing staff.”

“We are very happy that Melanie decided to pursue this position,” said John Gleason, president of the Freeport Community Services board. “She brings a strong combination of social work background and community involvement and leadership. We are confident she is the ideal selection to lead FCS into the future.”

Sachs, a clinical social worker, is active in a number of organizations, including the Freeport Conservation Trust, Freeport Family Performing Arts, Freeport Historical Society, and the South Freeport Congregational Church, and re-started the Cub Scout program in Freeport and Pownal, increasing program participation by 500 percent in just two years, according to a biography on Facebook.

Sachs formerly worked for APS Healthcare in South Portland as a member services manager and as social work coordinator at Community Health and Counseling Services in Bangor. She is a graduate of Bates College, with a graduate degree in science and social administration from the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland.

Freeport Community Services supplies direct services for residents in Pownal and Freeport through a food pantry, community heating oil fund, rental vouchers, teen center, and other needs- based programs.

According to Jeff Hole, Freeport town attorney, Sachs’ new position with Freeport Community Services does not pose a conflict of interest with her duties as a councilor, despite the significant financial commitment Freeport has to the organization.

“So long as the councilor discloses her interest any time Freeport Community Services is affected directly or indirectly by a council decision; abstains from voting, and does not otherwise participate in the decision-making process, I believe the councilor can hold both positions,” wrote Hole in an email to Freeport Town Manager Peter Joseph on May 17.

Sachs is married to Andrew Sachs, and they have two children, ages 11 and 13.

Lyman initially agreed to serve as interim director in 2008, but at the board’s urging, he ended up remaining as the executive director for more than five years.

“Bob Lyman has been an exemplary leader for Freeport Community Services,” said Gleason. “He came to FCS with such strong ties in the community, and he led FCS through many challenges including the completion of the Community Center and the addition of new and necessary space for our services. Freeport Community Services and the entire community owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Bob Lyman.”

Melanie Sachs