The Maine Children’s Alliance is proud to announce the appointment of Christopher McLaughlin, MSW, LCSW to our Board of Directors—a leader whose career embodies Maine’s deepest commitments to children, families, and equitable communities. Chris brings more than two decades of experience in behavioral health, social work leadership, education, and community partnership development. His breadth of knowledge, paired with his compassionate approach to systems change, makes him an extraordinary asset to MCA's mission and future. 

Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated unwavering dedication to improving behavioral health outcomes for young people across the state. His work spans clinical, academic, nonprofit, and statewide policy environments—giving him a rare 360-degree understanding of the challenges facing Maine children and the systems designed to support them.  Today, he serves as Owner and Lead Consultant of Inspired Consulting Group, LLC, where he partners with organizations across Maine and beyond to strengthen behavioral health systems, elevate leadership practices, and expand DEI&B initiatives. His consulting work continues to influence transformative change in how families, providers, and communities experience mental and behavioral health support. 

From his leadership roles at Northern Light Acadia Hospital, where he oversaw pediatric operations and community-based behavioral health programs, to his time as Executive Director of the Maine Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Chris has consistently advocated for strategies that strengthen families and elevate the voices of those most impacted by policy decisions. 

Equally impressive is Chris’s longstanding commitment to developing Maine’s current and future behavioral health workforce. He has served as an adjunct instructor for social work programs at the University of Maine, the University of Southern Maine, and UMPI, where he teaches courses ranging from macro practice and ethics to LGBTQIA+ care and child and adolescent assessment. 

He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at UNE, focusing his academic research on two areas deeply aligned with MCA’s mission:

Chris is also widely recognized as a respected presenter at the state and national levels. He has developed and delivered more than 100 webinars, keynote addresses, and trainings on topics such as suicide prevention, ethical practice, stress and anxiety management, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. His voice is one that communities, educators, and practitioners trust. 

What excites me most about welcoming Chris to the Board is how profoundly his values align with the mission of the Maine Children’s Alliance. His focus on collaboration, community partnerships, and equitable access to behavioral health support reflects the very core of MCA’s work.

Chris’s résumé shows a long history of statewide engagement—from serving on the Suicide Prevention Advisory Board, to supporting Family First Prevention Services, to his leadership in DEI&B initiatives—which demonstrates a deep understanding of the systemic change required to improve children’s well-being in Maine. His recognition with the Maine Children’s Alliance “Giraffe Award” in 2024 speaks to his courage in “sticking his neck out” for kids. 

As we navigate complex issues—from youth mental health to early childhood support to equitable education—it is essential that we have leaders at our table who understand both the urgency and the opportunity of this moment. Chris brings that understanding, backed by decades of practice, leadership, and heart.

We are honored to have him join the Maine Children’s Alliance Board of Directors. His expertise, perspective, and commitment will help guide MCA as we continue our work to ensure that every child in Maine has the opportunity to thrive.

Please join me in welcoming Christopher McLaughlin to the MCA Board. I look forward to the impact we will make together.