FREEPORT — Freeport Community Services has hired Paula Paladino of Lewiston as its next executive director.

She took over the position Dec. 13 from Melanie Sachs, who held it for three years.

Paladino said her new position appealed to her because it involves working directly with the people it serves.

She has a master’s degree in interdisciplinary consciousness studies from John F. Kennedy University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University.

She previously worked at MaineHousing for nearly five years as the manager of homeless initiatives and the special projects coordinator.