Steve Abbott was named Director of Athletics at the University of Maine on August 20, 2010. He comes to Maine with a wealth of knowledge of Black Bear athletics.  Abbott grew up in Orono and his father, Walt, was a professor, head football coach and athletic administrator at Maine for 50 years.

Abbott comes to the University of Maine athletic department after running for governor of Maine in 2010. His candidacy was endorsed by Maine’s largest daily newspapers and the United States Chamber of Commerce.

Formerly an attorney, Abbott served as Chief of Staff for Senator Susan Collins from 1997 through 2009. He was the top advisor to Senator Collins from her first year through her rise to prominence in the Senate, including her Chairmanship of the Homeland Security Committee. Abbott managed her Washington office and her six Maine offices.  He supervised a staff of more than fifty and worked extensively with Maine constituents including business, state and academic leaders.

Abbott was Collins's campaign manager in both 2002 and 2008. He planned strategy for and directed successful re-election campaigns in competitive races where large victory margins far exceeded expectations.  Previously Abbott practiced law in Portland, Maine for Pierce Atwood, northern New England’s largest law firm.

Abbott is a 1985 graduate of Harvard College with a degree in history. He was captain of the Harvard football team in 1984. He graduated from the University of Maine School of Law in 1991. He also studied Sport Management at the University of Massachusetts.

Abbott was a standout student-athlete at Orono High School, where he played on six state championship teams.  Steve and his wife, Amy, have two children, Hannah and Henry.