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.
Pamela Dixon
Director of Admissions
Pam is the Director of Admissions at Northeast Technical Institute, where she leads Admissions while also providing oversight and collaboration across Student Services, Career Services, and Campus Management. Since joining NTI in 2015, Pam has been a driving force in creating a connected, supportive student experience that guides individuals from their first conversation through graduation and into meaningful employment. A Maine native, Pam earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine and began her career in social work and elementary education. These early experiences shaped her deep empathy, strong communication style, and unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to opportunity and support. She later spent 12 years in leadership, sales, and training with Legacy Publishing Company, where she developed a passion for mentoring others, developing teams, and building authentic relationships. Pam is known for her approachable, collaborative leadership style and her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose. At NTI, she is deeply invested in helping students see new possibilities for their futures while supporting staff in doing their best work. She thrives on problem solving, process improvement, and fostering partnerships that strengthen pathways from education to employment—always with a focus on student success and community impact. Outside of work, Pam enjoys baking, spending time at the lake, and creating lasting memories with family.
Sarah Anderson
Human Resources
Sarah joined Northeast Technical Institute in 2021 and serves as HR Generalist, supporting employees across all campuses in recruiting, training, payroll, benefits, employee relations, and engagement. She began her time at NTI as an HR Coordinator and quickly grew into her current role. With a strong background in operations management prior to transitioning into HR, Sarah brings a practical, big-picture perspective and a steady, solutions-focused approach that helps balance the needs of both employees and the organization. Known for staying calm under pressure and being someone others can depend on, Sarah enjoys building clear processes, supporting managers, and creating systems that strengthen workplace culture and employee engagement. She values NTI’s collaborative environment and the meaningful impact the team has on students’ lives and career success. Sarah earned her degree in English from the University of Southern Maine, a foundation that supports her love of clear communication and thoughtful problem-solving. Outside of work, she can usually be found reading, spending time with friends and family, or enjoying the outdoors—ideally curled up on a porch with a good book on a rainy day.
Kevin Dionne
Campus Manager - Bangor
After a distinguished career in public service, including supervisory leadership roles within the Department of Corrections, service in law enforcement, and elected union leadership—Kevin brings a wealth of real-world experience to his role as Branch Campus Manager for Northeast Technical Institute’s Bangor campus. His career advancement reflects consistent hard work, ongoing professional development, and a deep commitment to learning through hands-on leadership, specialized trainings, certifications, and active participation on policy development and recruitment and retention committees. Kevin provides steady leadership and oversight of campus operations while fostering a supportive, student-centered environment focused on success from orientation through graduation, and he is known for his calm, practical approach, strong work ethic, and passion for building teams, mentoring staff, and helping students navigate their educational journey with confidence. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys camping, tackling home improvement projects, and proudly cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events, dance recitals, and school activities—demonstrating that whether he is on campus or in the bleachers, he leads with the same reliability, dedication, and steady commitment.
