Portland, Maine – Northeast Technical Institute (NTI) announces with profound sadness the passing of Christy “Chris” Liponis, the visionary founder whose leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Maine. Chris Liponis, aged 84, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, February 24, 2024, surrounded by his family, following complications arising from a prolonged illness. His legacy transcends his lifetime, shaping the lives of over 13,000 Mainers who have used NTI to change their lives through skill development and career advancement.
Born in Portland, Maine, on January 4, 1940, Chris Liponis was the fourth son of James and Madeline Liponis, immigrants from Greece who settled on Munjoy Hill in Portland, Maine. His upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for family bonds and community enrichment, values that would later guide his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Driven by a passion for education and a desire to empower individuals seeking to better their lives, Chris Liponis established the Tractor Trailer School of New Hampshire in 1980, laying the foundation for what would become Northeast Technical Institute (NTI) with locations in Scarborough, Bangor, and Auburn, Maine. Since its establishment in 1995, NTI has been at the forefront of providing skill-specific training for various industries, including HVAC/R Technicians, CDL Truck Drivers, Clinical Medical Assistants, and entry-level Information Technology and Cybersecurity professionals. Under Chris’s guidance, NTI has become synonymous with excellence in education, transforming the lives of thousands of Mainers and injecting over $120 million into the Maine economy.
“Chris Liponis’ legacy extends far beyond the walls of Northeast Technical Institute,” said Jim Liponis, Chris’s son and President/CEO of NTI since its establishment. “His vision and dedication have not only empowered individuals to pursue meaningful careers but have also fueled economic growth and prosperity throughout Maine.”
NTI, headquartered in Scarborough, boasts campuses in Bangor and Auburn, Maine, and employs over 50 dedicated professionals. Over the past 30 years, NTI has been instrumental in providing employment opportunities for hundreds of Mainers, further enriching the local economy and strengthening communities across the state.
“Chris Liponis’ impact will continue to resonate through the lives he touched and the enduring legacy of Northeast Technical Institute,” added Jim Liponis. “His spirit of innovation, commitment to excellence, and dedication to community enrichment will continue to inspire us as we carry forward his vision.”
The Northeast Technical Institute family extends its deepest condolences to the Liponis family during this difficult time.
Media Contact:
Aaron Sweeney
Marketing Coordinator
Northeast Technical Institute
asweeney@ntinow.edu
