Shannon Moss to Leave Maine Department of Public Safety

The spokesperson will step down on October 29 after serving in the role for over five years.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a classic brick and granite government building entrance. — Shannon Moss will step down as spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety on October 29, with Major Aaron Turcotte named interim. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Shannon Moss will step down as the spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety on Thursday, October 29, 2026. She has held the position since March 2021 after succeeding Steve McCausland.

Why it matters

The change in leadership initiates a transition period for the department's communications team as they prepare to find a permanent successor for the role. Major Aaron Turcotte is set to step in as the interim Public Information Officer to ensure continued coverage of departmental matters.

Shannon Moss served as the department spokesperson for over five years, concluding a career that included more than two decades working as a news reporter for WMTW and WCSH/WLBZ.

The players

Shannon Moss

She is the outgoing spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety who previously spent two decades working as a news reporter.

Major Aaron Turcotte

He is a high-ranking official who will serve as the interim Public Information Officer for the department.

Maine Department of Public Safety

This state agency is responsible for overseeing public safety services and coordinating communications across Maine.

Steve McCausland

He is the former spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety who was replaced by Shannon Moss in 2021.

The details

Major Aaron Turcotte will assume the role of interim Public Information Officer beginning October 30, 2026. He will manage communication duties while the department conducts an active search for a permanent official to fill the vacancy.

March 2021: Shannon Moss first assumed her role as spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety.
October 29, 2026: Shannon Moss will officially depart from her position.
October 30, 2026: Major Aaron Turcotte will begin his duties as the interim Public Information Officer.

Market Landscape

This leadership transition represents a second major turnover for the department's public communications office since the departure of Steve McCausland. The move shifts the department's public relations management to interim leadership while the agency recalibrates its staffing structure.

Residents and members of the press should expect a change in the point of contact for department communications starting October 30, 2026. Major Aaron Turcotte will handle media inquiries during the interim period until a permanent spokesperson is appointed.

The takeaway

The transition demonstrates the ongoing evolution of administrative communication roles within state agencies. Readers should anticipate a shift in the style and pace of departmental updates once the interim officer assumes the role.