Kayla Laird

Kayla (Nowell) Laird has been hired as Harrison’s new rec director, announced last week by Town Manager Bud Finch. She begins on Monday, Sept. 12.

Laird succeeds Paula Holt, who served as rec director for the past 21 years.

“Kayla has the background I feel necessary to provide continuance to the excellent program built by Paula Holt over the past the 21 years. First and foremost, I believe Kayla understands what a huge undertaking it will be and to do so in the public arena,” Finch said. “Her task will not only be to maintain the excellence of the program, but to continue to also transcend the changing times. I view Kayla today as how many saw Paula when she began her career as Harrison’s recreation director. Young, energetic, enthusiastic and with a great desire to excel in keeping Harrison’s recreation program at the high level of recognition it has enjoyed.”

Kayla is a Harrison resident, her husband is one of the town’s volunteer firemen. They have two daughters — one in the school system and one just a bit shy of being in school.

Kayla graduated from Lake Region High School, where she was a three-sport athlete and all-conference selection. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, has served in recreation programs in both Harrison and Bridgton, and along with teaching, leaves her career in Case Management for adults with disabilities.

“I believe Kayla is a perfect fit for this position,” said Holt, whose final day was last Friday. “Her and I are very similar in many ways. We both have a degree in Education from Saint Joseph’s College in Standish, played sports in high school, reside in Harrison, have two young children (however, my boys were 11 and 13 which I always wished they were much younger when I took over in 1995), and have a husband who is very supportive which is critical to have for this type of job where the hours can be very erratic.”

Holt added that, “Kayla is also young, energetic and enthusiastic. She has coached T-ball for me during the past two years and I found her to be organized, creative, caring, attentive to details and communicates well. These skills are critical for the success in planning, organizing, recruiting volunteers and overseeing all activities, programs and special events. I feel Kayla will spread her wings and soar high and keep Harrison Recreation strong and moving in the right direction to meet the changing times.”