Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) President Dr. Kristen Miller has been named the 2026 Community Leader of the Year by PROPEL, in partnership with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. 
The award recognizes President Miller’s leadership and her enduring impact on higher education, workforce development, and community collaboration across the greater Portland region. Under her leadership, SMCC continues to strengthen partnerships that expand access to education and support Maine’s evolving workforce needs.
PROPEL is Greater Portland’s premier networking and professional development organization for young professionals. In partnership with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, PROPEL connects emerging leaders with opportunities that foster career growth, civic engagement, and regional impact.
“PROPEL is proud to recognize Dr. Kristen Miller of Southern Maine Community College as this year’s Community Leader of the Year,” said Nathan Henry, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager at Kennebec Savings Bank and president of PROPEL’s Board of Directors. “Dr. Miller, the first female president of SMCC, is widely regarded as a connector who fosters collaboration among education, industry, and the public sector. She is an active listener and a strong advocate for the power of partnership.
President Miller expressed her appreciation for the recognition and emphasized the collective nature of the work. “This honor reflects the incredible partnerships that make our work possible and the dedicated faculty, staff, and students who inspire it every day,” Miller said. “At SMCC, collaboration is the heart of how we serve students and strengthen our communities.”
The honor will be presented at PROPEL’s annual Ignition Awards, held Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5–7:30 p.m. at Allagash Brewing Company.
In addition to President Miller, PROPEL will recognize the following 2026 award recipients:
- Business of the Year: The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Maryna Shuliakouskaya, PhD, CFE, owner of Aroma Joe’s Coffee Franchise
- Young Professional of the Year: Kaila M. McCracken, VP Business Intelligence & Analysis at MEMIC
- Nonprofit of the Year: Maine Needs
Members of the SMCC community are encouraged to attend and help celebrate President Miller and this year’s honorees. Registration is now open at www.smccME.edu/propel26
Congratulations to President Kristen Miller on this well-deserved recognition.