LEWISTON — Wendy Tardif has been named executive director of the Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center.

Tardif has maintained close ties with the center over the years, serving as event manager of the Dempsey Challenge, the center’s primary fundraising vehicle, and as the center’s interim director since December 2010.

“We’re thrilled to have Wendy in this role,” President and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare Peter Chalke said. “She has demonstrated great leadership ability with the Dempsey Challenge and has been instrumental in initiating wellness programs throughout the community. The Dempsey Center will benefit greatly with her leadership.”

Tardif earned her bachelor of science degree from the University of Maine, Orono. She has worked in the field of community health education for more than 25 years, co-founding Healthy Androscoggin (formerly known as Tobacco-Free L/A) and playing an instrumental role in the creation of the CMMC Health and Wellness Center. She is a certified tobacco treatment specialist and has assisted hundreds of former tobacco users in central Maine to lead longer, healthier lives. Tardif is a commissioner for the Maine Lung Association and a faculty member of the Center for Tobacco Independence.

Tardif has been a core planning committee member of Lewiston/Auburn’s Triple Crown 5K Series, a community fundraising run/walk series that benefits nonprofit community organizations and, in 2009, she spearheaded the first L-A Couch-to-5 K program.

Founded in March 2008 by actor and Maine native Patrick Dempsey, the Dempsey Center strives to provide high quality education, support and wellness services to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families. All of the center’s services are provided free of charge. For more information call 795-8250, toll-free 1-877-336-7287 or visit www.dempseycenter.org.