08/27/2025
Birch Bay Retirement Village Named One of 2025 Best Places to Work in Maine — Second Year in a Row
For the second consecutive year, Birch Bay Retirement Village, a nonprofit retirement community located in Bar Harbor, has been recognized as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Maine. This honor follows its initial recognition in 2024 and highlights a continuing commitment to a strong workplace culture.
Adding to the achievement, Birch Bay’s parent organization, Mount Desert Island Hospital, was also named one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in Maine, marking a shared milestone for both organizations.
“This year’s recognition feels even more significant,” said Robert Hemenway, Executive Director of Birch Bay Retirement Village. “Earning this honor once is an achievement. Earning it twice proves that we’ve built something with staying power — something that truly resonates with our staff and our mission.”
Hemenway continued, “Over the past year, we’ve doubled down on listening to our team, investing in their growth, and creating a workplace where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. This isn’t about perks — it’s about purpose. And when people are aligned with purpose, incredible things happen.”
Best Places to Work in Maine is a research-based program from Best Companies Group that evaluates companies based on their workplace policies, practices, and demographics, as well as direct feedback from employees.
Birch Bay offers year-round employment to a dedicated team of staff including administration, nursing and nursing assistants, activities and life enrichment programming, housekeeping and maintenance, dining services (in partnership with Compass Group USA) and a board-certified music therapist.
“Birch Bay Village’s mission is to enrich the lives of our residents — but that mission starts with supporting the people who carry it out every day,” Hemenway said. “This back-to-back recognition belongs to our team, whose energy and integrity continue to elevate our entire community.”
Located in the Hulls Cove Village of Bar Harbor, Birch Bay Retirement Village is owned and operated by Mount Desert Island Hospital and provides a full continuum of senior living — from independent cottages and apartments to residential and memory care — for up to 90 residents. Birch Bay also operates the Don and Beth Straus Center, an adult day program serving members and families across Mount Desert Island since 2008.
In addition to its senior care programs, Birch Bay serves as a vibrant community center, partnering with local organizations such as Acadia Senior College, Bar Harbor Garden Club, and more. For more information, contact Susanne Hopkins, Director of Marketing, at 288-8014.
