Tom Abello
Tom Abello, of Edgecomb, will serve as a senior policy advisor to Gov. Janet Mills.
Mills announced the hire Monday, Feb. 4, along with the hire of another senior policy advisor, Mary Anne Turowski, of Newburgh.
Turowski previously served as director of politics and legislation for the Maine State Employees Association, while Abello previously worked as director of external affairs at The Nature Conservancy.
“Mary Anne and Tom are experienced and well-respected professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and talent to the office,” Mills said. “The people of Maine will be well-served by their commitment to our state. I look forward to working with Mary Anne and Tom in the years ahead.”
Abello, 45, worked as director of external affairs for The Nature Conservancy of Maine for more than 19 years. In his role as director of external affairs, he led state and federal policy, communications and marketing, and strategic partnerships for the organization. The Nature Conservancy of Maine works to protect Maine’s natural resources, its wildlife, and sustainable, nature-based livelihoods.
A native of Maine, Abello graduated from Wiscasset High School, then earned a degree from Fordham University in Bronx, N.Y. in 1996. He lives in Edgecomb with his wife, Heather, and their two daughters.
Abello and Turowski join Elise Baldacci and Bethany Beausang as senior policy advisors to the governor.
As senior policy advisors, Turowski and Abello will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of legislative issues including, but not limited to, labor, state and local government, the state budget, and natural resources. They will advise Mills on those issues and serve as liaisons to the Legislature.
