WATERVILLE — Kimberly N. Lindlof wanted to create a women’s networking group that would also include guest speakers who are successful and could provide tips to others.
So Lindlof, president and chief executive officer of the Mid-Maine chamber of Commerce, formed the Leading Women’s Luncheon, which will host its first get-together Tuesday at Best Western Plus, formerly the Holiday Inn, on Main Street.
The cost is $20 for chamber members; $25 for non-members and at the door. Those wanting tickets may e-mail biz.dev@midmainechamber.com
Michelle Hood, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems president and chief executive officer, will be the speaker following a women’s networking session at which participants will share opportunities and challenges.
“We’re trying to do something to enhance (chamber) member benefits but also help the women in our community professionally,” Lindlof said Friday.
Tuesday’s session, to start at 11:30 a.m., is sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and will include a luncheon buffet.
Hood will share her path to success as she advanced from associate hospital director at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta to executive vice president and chief operating officer at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham. She then went on to several other hospitals around the country before coming to Eastern Maine, according to information issued by the chamber.
She directs a system of healthcare facilities and providers that includes seven member hospitals, four emergency transportation services and 11 nursing home and retirement communities. The facilities employ 8,000 people and serve 500,000 Maine residents. She has been head of EMHS since 2006.
Hood has a bachelor of science degree from Purdue University and a master’s in health care administration from Georgia State University.
Lindlof said the chamber has very successful business breakfast and business after hours programs which are attended by both men and women. The Leading Women’s Luncheon was designed to be a mentoring and educational forum for women.
“We wanted something unique, and as a woman in central Maine, it’s a challenge to be a leader and to get into these leadership roles…” she said.
Lindlof said she hopes to host four such women’s luncheons a year.

Amy Calder — 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com