NTI Staff Profiles
Jim Liponis
Chairman
Jim joined his father in the family business after earning his BS in business and communication from UNH in 1990. He started in admissions at Northeast Career Schools and worked for 6 years in admissions, marketing, student services, and eventually assistant to the general manager. In 1996, Jim moved to Portland Maine to open Northeast Technical Institute and has worked gradually to grow NTI’s presence and sterling reputation over the past 21 years. Since its establishment in 1996, NTI has enjoyed steady growth to include the achievement of National Accreditation and the addition of campuses in Bangor and Auburn. When he’s away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife Lisa and 2 sons.
Kristy Lank
President
Appointed President on January 1, 2026, Kristy Lank leads Northeast Technical Institute with a focus on institutional stewardship and student success. Since joining NTI in 2019—serving first as Controller and later as Vice President of Operations—Kristy has leveraged her 35-year career across the healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries to ensure NTI remains a leader in career education. With over 25 years of executive experience, Kristy thrives in managing the complex intersection of fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and campus operations. She is deeply inspired by the transformative power of education and is dedicated to providing students with the skills needed for successful careers. Kristy looks forward to working alongside NTI’s faculty, staff, and industry partners to accomplish great things together and continue to lead NTI into the future. Outside of work, Kristy enjoys time on her homestead, tackling property maintenance, renovations, yard work, cooking and gardening. A lifelong learner, she regularly takes online courses to expand her skills and perspectives. Family is very important to her, and she finds balance through spending quality time with them.
