Moody steps down from MHPC for national role

PORTLAND – J. Scott Moody, CEO of The Maine Heritage Policy Center, announced his resignation on Thursday at the center’s monthly policy luncheon in Portland.

Moody, who has been with MHPC in various capacities for nearly a decade, will be stepping down at the end of April to lead Virginia-based State Budget Solutions, a national think tank that helps states develop fiscally responsible budgets. He has served as CEO of the think tank since July of 2012.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to be CEO of MHPC,” said Moody. “Having been with MHPC for 9 years, I’ve been able to see it grow into what it is today. We’ve seen historic tax cuts enacted, vital health insurance reform and a solid defense against Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion in Maine.”

“I’m looking forward to taking the lessons I’ve learned here in Maine to the national stage through State Budget Solutions,” said Moody. “SBS is focusing on pension reform, and in Maine, under Gov. Paul LePage and former State Treasurer Bruce Poliquin, we enacted much needed pension reform to ensure that the system will be able to meet its obligations without burdening taxpayers.”

“It will be an exciting opportunity to take on these challenges nationwide,” he said.

During his time with MHPC, Moody served as chief tax economist, writing numerous public policy papers about the need for pro-growth tax reform. His pioneering work on Maine’s looming demographic challenges has started a statewide conversation about aging and migration in the Pine Tree State.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage said he’s sad to see Moody leave Maine, but wished him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

“Scott has been a tremendous asset for Maine conservatives and a powerful defender of Maine taxpayers,” he said.

SBS is a non-partisan, non-profit think tank that studies state pensions, health care policy, and education policy with a focus on sustainable budgeting.

Michael Barnhart, chairman of the SBS board of directors, said he was excited to bring Moody aboard.

“Scott provides the perfect blend of experience at state and national level, as well as media savvy and fundraising experience that will help take SBS to the next level,” said Barnhart, who formerly served as CEO of SBS.

“Scott will help make SBS even more of a national force for reform than it already is,” he said.

Moody’s resignation will take effect at the end of April and no successor has been named.

“Scott has been integral to MHPC’s success over the years and will be greatly missed,” said Peter V. Anania, chairman of MHPC’s board of directors. “We are proud that he now heads to a bigger stage to fight for fiscally responsible, limited government nationwide,” said Anania.