Sen. Breen pays tribute to Mike Tarpinian, retiring president of Opportunity Alliance, in Senate

AUGUSTA — Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, presented Opportunity Alliance President Mike Tarpinian with a legislative sentiment in the Senate chamber on Thursday, April 4. The sentiment recognizes Mr. Tarpinian’s many contributions to Maine’s people on the occasion of his retirement.

“Mike Tarpinian has devoted his professional life to helping underserved Mainers get what they need,” said Sen. Breen. “It takes a big heart to spend 40 years working with people to provide access to food, heating oil, mental health treatment, early childhood programs, and other services to Mainers, while treating them with respect and never turning them away. Mike has set a sterling example for those of us who are dedicated to public service, and I wish him the best in his retirement. He will be missed.”

Mr. Tarpinian is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Opportunity Alliance, the Community Action Agency for Cumberland County, where he has worked for 30 years. He presided over many mergers and a large expansion of its services during his tenure.  Prior to his service at the Opportunity Alliance, he worked at the Maine Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation for ten years. He is co-founder of the Maine Behavioral Health Collaborative, focusing on child welfare and behavioral health, and serves on many boards, including the Child Welfare League of America and Maine Equal Justice Partners. He lives in Westbrook with his wife, Nancy.