FREEPORT — After working for nearly 10 years to develop programs that would reduce interpersonal violence and support the healthy development of adolescent boys, Layne Gregory will step down as executive director of Boys to Men and hand the reins to Drew Wing of Freeport.

The nonprofit organization Boys to Men, located at 565 Congress St., Portland, was formed in 2004 after nearly three years of successful day-long workshops and conferences for boys. The partnership between Gregory and community organizations such as Portland’s Public Health Division’s family violence prevention program grew as they focused on ways to address the nonviolent development of boys and society’s expectations.

Now, the organization provides assistance and educational resources, and strives to increase  community awareness about the specific needs of boys.

Gregory, a Falmouth resident, said she is happy Wing will take over as executive director as the organization enters into a new phase.

“As the founder, I am so happy to pass this on to someone at least as excited as I am about the possibilities this organization has to offer,” she said. “There needs to be someone with business acumen – someone who can package, market and sell what we offer.”

They believe they found that person in Wing, who will take over as executive director on June 1. He is 39, has two children and said he is looking forward to this change in career.

For the past year and a half, Wing worked as a business developer for the commercial construction company Zachau Construction. Previously, he ran his own residential construction company and developed several multifamily housing developments. He attended Michigan State University and received his undergraduate degree in employment relations, and recently completed his master’s degree in theology at the Bangor Theological Seminary.

Wing said he wanted to get into pastoral counseling and social service work, but then had a family and his career was put on hold. Now, with the new position, he said his life has come full circle.

Gregory said while the search for a new director was limited to New England, they received applications from as far away as Alaska. In all, 56 people applied, and the applicants were narrowed to 10 contenders. Of the 10, Gregory said three were called back for final interviews. Wing was the only Maine resident of the group.

“Drew has a very kind and casual style,” she said. “He is smart and thoughtful, and we just fell in love with him.”

She said his business background coupled with his master’s work brought the perfect skill set to the organization.

Wing said he is looking forward to his new position.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of Boys to Men,” Wing said. “The board is a smart and compassionate group of people and I am thrilled to be involved.”

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net

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Freeport resident Drew Wing will take over as executive director of Boys to Men, the nonprofit organization committed to the nonviolent development of boys, starting June 1. Layne Gregory of Falmouth will step down after six years as executive director.