Committee recommends confirmation of Andre Brere as Maine Turnpike Authority executive director

The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation voted unanimously April 1, 2025, to recommend the confirmation of Andre J. Brere of New Hampshire as executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority.

The recommendation came after a public hearing during which the authority’s board chair and the nominee described his management record and priorities. Representative Lydia Crafts formally moved the committee recommendation under 3 M.R.S.A. § 157; the committee then took a roll-call vote in which 12 members present voted yes and none voted no.

Why it matters: The Maine Turnpike Authority operates the 109-mile tolled corridor from Kittery to Augusta and manages more than 641 lane miles without direct state or federal tax support. The authority’s finances, safety record and approach to future projects have direct implications for highway users, regional planning and state transportation policy.

Michael Chunkett, chair of the Maine Turnpike Authority, introduced Brere to the committee and described the board’s selection process and the interim leadership that has kept operations running. "For those I don't know, my name is Michael Chunkett. I presently serve as chair of the Maine Turnpike Authority, and I'm here today to present Andre Brere as the hopeful next executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority," Chunkett told the committee, noting the board’s unanimous decision to nominate Brere.

Brere, who most recently served as deputy commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, told the committee he would emphasize safety, collaboration with MaineDOT and workforce development if confirmed. "I look forward to engaging members of the joint standing committee on transportation, today and sharing my thoughts and vision for a transparent, dynamic, and responsive MTA that serves our communities and builds on its proud legacy into the future," he said in his opening remarks.

On funding and organization: Brere highlighted the Turnpike’s self-funded model, which, he said, receives no state or federal tax dollars. He described the turnpike as an "economic engine" and emphasized his experience with finance, bonding and operational modernization in New Hampshire. Committee members asked about safety measures, public engagement around large projects and coordination with MaineDOT; Brere said he would pursue expanded collaboration and increased community outreach.

Vote and next steps: Representative Lydia Crafts moved that the committee recommend confirmation; after a roll-call the clerk recorded 12 affirmative votes and no negative votes. The committee will send its written recommendation to the president of the Senate, as required by statute. The full Senate will consider that recommendation in its confirmation process.

Context and background: Committee members and witnesses repeatedly pointed to the authority’s national reputation, recent leadership transitions and a list of pending transportation policy debates that include work-zone safety, connector projects and the turnpike’s role in broader multimodal planning. The committee’s hearing record shows the authority reported $185,000,000 in revenue in 2023 and carries approximately $500,000,000 in outstanding debt with an annual debt service near $45,000,000.

The hearing closed without objection and the committee will forward its recommendation to the Senate for final confirmation action.