Paul Johnson

 
Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG)
Title: Economic Development Director
Phone: (207) 749-4888
Paul Johnson photo (smaller)


Responsibilities

Paul oversees GPCOG’s “Managing Projects for Success” service by establishing relationships with private, non-profit, and public sector partners to deliver integrated place-based planning and technical assistance services to regionally impactful development projects while assisting in the execution of a robust public process.  Additionally, Paul leads regional Economic Development Initiatives for GPCOG’s member communities and oversees GPCOGS revolving loan program and brownfields program.  

Professional Experience

Paul is the founder/owner of two local businesses.  If 2003, he founded The Study Hall.  The Study Hall has assisted more than 5,000 Maine families with their educational needs across three locations.  Until he took his position at GPCOG, Paul was responsible for the oversight of the company while training all standard test preparation instructors.  More recently, in 2016, Paul and his partner opened Tulu Salon and Spa in downtown Biddeford. Although not an active partner in the business, Paul continues to manage the financial side of the business.  

Immediately prior to joining GPCOG, Paul served on the Scarborough Town Council for 3.5 years – with two of the years as chair.  Throughout his tenure on the Scarborough Town Council, Paul navigated all  opportunities and challenges of accelerated growth driven by The Downs mix-used development project.  

Throughout his professional career, Paul has always taken time to teach subjects he is passionate about.  He has taught at Southern Maine Community College and also at Cheverus High School, where he taught Entrepreneurship, Economics and all level of mathematics.

Education

Paul earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Southern Maine.

 

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