CAMDEN — Rendle A. Jones, Esq., chairman of the Board of Directors of Camden National Corporation, announced that Gregory A. Dufour has succeeded Robert W. Daigle as president and chief executive officer of Camden National Corporation effective Jan. 1, 2009. This succession plan was previously announced at the company's annual meeting on April 29, 2008.

In addition to his new responsibilities, Dufour will retain the titles of president and chief executive officer for Camden National Bank and serve, on an interim basis, as chief executive officer for Acadia Trust, N.A., the cCompany's wealth management subsidiary.

Dufour, a native of Old Town, joined Camden National Corporation in April 2001 as senior vice president of finance and principal financial officer. In August 2002, he assumed the additional responsibilities of operations and technology. In January 2004, Dufour was named president and chief operating officer of Camden National Bank and chief banking officer of Camden National Corporation. He was named chief executive officer of Camden National Bank in January 2006. Dufour also serves as a director of Camden National Bank and Acadia Trust, N.A.

Under Dufour's leadership, Camden National Bank expanded its footprint into the western and down east Maine markets with the mergers of UnitedKingfield Bank and Union Trust Company, respectively. Prior to joining Camden National Corporation, Dufour, a graduate of the University of Maine, served as managing director of Finance for IBEX Capital Markets in Boston after holding several management positions with Fleet Financial Group.

Dufour resides in Rockport, with his wife, Doreen, and three children. He and his wife have been active in the area's youth and high school hockey programs. Dufour serves on the Board of Trustees of The General Henry Knox Museum and on the Board of Directors of The University of Maine Alumni Association. Dufour also is the CEO Advisor to the American Bankers Association Marketing Network.

"It is a privilege to lead an organization such as Camden National Corporation and follow in the footsteps of Bob Daigle," said Dufour. "One of the greatest aspects of this position is the opportunity to work closely with our communities, help foster economic growth in the State of Maine, and work with more than 400 employees as well as an engaged Board of Directors who are all focused on serving our customers and shareholders."

Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, Daigle will fulfill a six-month duration as senior executive consultant to Rendle A. Jones, and serve as senior advisor to the corporation's executive management team.