It is with great sadness that we share the passing of George Shaler, MPH, a long-time member of the Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine.
George began his career at the Institute in 1999, when it was still the Institute for Public Sector Innovation, and remained a dedicated contributor for more than two decades. His work focused on using data and evaluation to strengthen state and local systems serving communities in Maine and beyond, particularly in public health, education, and justice. Among his professional passions, he guided efforts to implement school-based health centers. His leadership helped shape some of the Institute’s most enduring partnerships and initiatives.
George served as Director of the Maine Statistical Analysis Center for many years and as Managing Director of the Institute’s Children, Youth, and Families and Justice Policy programs. He was widely respected for his steady leadership, thoughtful approach, and deep commitment to the work. Colleagues remember him as a mentor who was practical, level-headed, and quietly persistent in advancing important efforts.
Even after his retirement in 2023, George continued to contribute to the field he cared deeply about, most recently serving as President of the Justice Information Resource Network and as the Vice Chair of USM’s Social Behavioral Institutional Review Board.
George’s impact on the Institute, the University, the State of Maine, and on the many colleagues and partners who worked alongside him will be lasting. He will be remembered not only for his contributions but also for the way he showed up for others.
Per the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s memory to The Children’s Center, 721 Stevens Avenue Portland, Maine 04103; Maine Women’s Lobby, 1 Weston Court Suite 203A, Augusta, Maine 04330; or the Eastern Trail Alliance, PO Box 250, Saco, ME 04072.