AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine chapter of a national association that represents construction-related firms has a new president.

Hope Perkins has assumed the role of president and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Maine.

Perkins has been with ABC Maine for more than six years. She recently held the post of vice president of member services. She assumed her new role on Wednesday. She said Thursday it had been "a dream" of hers.

Perkins replaces James Cote, who becomes the association's director of government affairs and public policy.

Perkins previously worked for contractor H.E. Sargent in Old Town.

Associated Builders and Contractors has scores of chapters throughout the United States. Its members include firms in the industrial and commercial sectors of the construction industry.