On December 1, 2025, Pineland Suzuki School was delighted to announce that Noel J Sullivan joined us as our first Executive Director!

Noel Sullivan is a seasoned nonprofit executive with over three decades of transformative leadership in human services, education, healthcare, and workforce development. Recognized for his strategic insight and operational mastery, Noel has led complex organizations through growth, innovation, and mission expansion. As President & CEO of Pine Tree Society, he oversaw diverse service lines—including case management, ASL interpreting, audiology, assistive technology, autism services, and workforce programs—while doubling program revenue from $3.9M to $10.1M and guiding a successful acquisition that strengthened statewide impact.

Prior to this role, Noel served as Chief Operating Officer of Easter Seals, managing a $105M multi-state portfolio with 2,000 staff across 64 locations. Under his leadership, the organization saw revenue growth from $75M to $105M, completed eight mergers and acquisitions, expanded substance use treatment services by 75%, and launched innovative clinical and community-based programming. He also founded a residential school for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and established primary care and dental clinics serving underserved populations.

With a strong background in strategic planning, board relations, organizational development, and fundraising—having secured over $6M in campaign support—Noel is widely regarded for his ability to stabilize, strengthen, and scale nonprofit organizations. He holds advanced credentials from Harvard Business School, the University of New Hampshire, Boston University, and the University of Southern Maine, and is the recipient of multiple leadership awards. 

Noel lives in Portland ,Maine with his wife, Colette.

The Board's personnel committee was gratified at the level of interest in our school, with an impressive and diverse pool of applicants. The Board unanimously endorsed our enthusiastic recommendation that we select Noel. His experience, kindness, commitment to children, and excitement about music are fun to be around!

Noel will be involved in every aspect of Pineland, prioritizing fundraising and organizational sustainability.

Matt Scease, Board Treasurer, commented, 

"I'm very excited for Noel to join Pineland Suzuki School as our first Executive Director. He brings a ton of experience as a leader of organizations serving youth and adults in Maine and New England. We can already see how he's reaching out to the many different stakeholders in the school. Noel has the experience and judgement to build our infrastructure, enroll more students and reach more people in central Maine and beyond!"

Betsy Kobayashi, who cofounded the school more than 30 years ago exulted, “I am so happy that Noel has joined our team! He is enthusiastic about music and making a difference in the lives of children. He has come to several concerts already and absolutely loves the children, the teachers, parents and the music!”

Welcome, Noel!