Harold W. Clossey has been appointed president and chief executive officer of the Maine Development Foundation, a private nonprofit that works on economic, work force, leadership and community development issues across the state.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Harold’s caliber as our next leader,” MDF Board Chair Aldo Servello said in a release Wednesday. “He’s dynamic, engaging, and extremely passionate about the programs and mission of MDF serving our stakeholders. Everyone we’ve spoken to about Harold is impressed with his strong work ethic and willingness to engage leaders from all walks of life. Harold will help drive the next chapter in our goal of turning research into action for the state of Maine.”

Clossey was previously executive director of the Sunrise County Economic Council in Washington County, where he has served since 2006. He is also a graduate of Leadership Maine and served in other leadership and board roles in Washington County.

Clossey earned an associate’s degree in small business management from Washington County Community College in Calais and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

The Maine Development Foundation was created in 1978 with a focus on leadership training, work force development and community development. The organization is funded through contributions, memberships, foundations and state government contracts.