About Sean
A dedicated leader fighting for the future of Scarborough.
Upon graduation from The George Washington University with degrees in History and Political Science, Sean Flaherty immediately went to work in Washington D.C. at the American Association for Justice.
In 2008, Flaherty ran and was elected to represent Scarborough in the Maine State Legislature where he served on the Energy & Utilities Committee. Before graduating with honors from the University of Maine School of Law, Flaherty worked as an organizer for Planned Parenthood of New England, was a campaign manager for a US Senate candidate here in Maine, and helped a business ownership transition and relocation of a local Architectural Woodworking company of roughly 50 employees as it’s Compliance Officer.
Sean celebrating his college graduation with his grandfather, Christian Walter Hansen Jr. To his students, he was Mr. Hansen; to Sean, he was “Wally” — and one of the greatest influences on his life. (2007)
After passing the Maine Bar Exam, Flaherty practiced mainly insurance subrogation law and litigation as an Attorney representing multiple Fortune 500 and Fortune 200 clients.
He was a volunteer judge and coach for a number of years in Maine’s High School Mock Trial, “We The People” Competitions, and Student Congress Debate Competitions.
Sean celebrating his law school graduation surrounded by family: his grandparents John, Wally and Jackie, and his parents, Peter and Heidi. (2018)
Flaherty has served in a number of local roles with various organizations, boards, and committees in Scarborough and the state. He was an original member of Scarborough’s Energy Committee, served on the Conservation Commission, and the Parks and Conservation Land Board, as well as volunteer coordinator for Scarborough’s 350th Triathlon, to name a few. For years, he served on the Board of Directors of Maine Swimming, Inc., first as an Athlete Rep while in high school, then for multiple terms as a volunteer and local swim coach. He was named Assistant Coach for Maine Swimming’s All-Star Team, and coached high school swimming for 5 seasons.
Longtime residents of Scarborough may also recall Flaherty’s contributions to the Scarborough swimming community.
As a high school student, he led Scarborough to three South Western Championships and a State-Runner Up, earned All-American Honors for his still unbroken Class B State Record setting 500 Freestyle swim, and broke the All-classes State Record in the 200 Individual Medley.
His 200 IM State record held for nearly a decade until he took over as Scarborough’s Head Swim Coach, when Scarborough’s own Robby Gravel broke it at the 2010 Class A State Championship. Scarborough boys not only won the South Western Conference Championship that year, but both the Scarborough Girls and Boys teams each took home the Class A Runners-up Trophy.
This year, Sean Flaherty is a candidate for admission to the Maine Swimming Hall of Fame’s next class.
Today, he lives with his partner, Rubi Hernandez and their two dogs, Agatha (13) and Porter (5).
Sean with his partner, Rubi, and their three pups, Porter, Acadia, and Agatha at one of their favorite places, Ferry Beach. Acadia passed away in February 2026 and is deeply missed. (2025)
Former Maine State Representative for Scarborough.
Energy Utilities and Technology Committee
Conservation and public access advocate for all Scarborough families.
Agatha, a rescue from the Beagle Freedom Project who found her forever home with the Flaherty family.