NEW FACES

• Chuck Carter, a noted video game developer, joined High Touch Courses as an instructor for its summer technology camp.

Carter was instrumental in the development of Myst and Command & Conquer, two popular video games that spurred series releases.

• United Way of Greater Portland recently added several people to its staff.

Matt Hoidal was hired as senior vice president of resource development; Jennifer Burns as project manager of starting strong; and Kerrie Keller as project coordinator of volunteer engagement.

• Susan Farady joined the University of New England’s department of marine sciences and the Marine Science Center to lead its new ocean studies and marine affairs program.

Farady was hired as assistant professor of ocean studies and marine affairs. She also will work in the University’s Center of Excellence in the Marine Sciences. She is a widely known national, regional and Maine expert on marine management, policy and law topics. Before joining Roger Williams University, she directed the New England office of the Ocean Conservancy in Portland, where she worked on marine ecosystem conservation initiatives and ocean governance reform.

• Jeremy Fischer joined Drummond Woodsum as practice group leader for the firm’s bankruptcy, restructuring and creditors’ rights group.

Fischer previously served three terms in the Maine Legislature, where he was House chairman of the Appropriations Committee. Fischer has been recognized by New England Super Lawyers and Chambers USA for his expertise in the area of bankruptcy and business reorganization.

• Two individuals joined Diversified Communications:

Bram McConnell was hired as an information technology intern. McConnell was previously employed with NFI North of Bangor.

Jenna Herert was hired as a project manager. Herbert was previously employed with Accruent of Austin, Texas.

• Vicki Bessette joined Katahdin Trust Co. as vice president, commercial services officer.

Bessette brings more than 34 years of experience in the financial services industry. She previously worked for Bangor Savings Bank, most recently as vice president and business banking officer.

• Brianna Courneya joined the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine as its new project associate.

Previously, Courneya worked at STRIVE. She is also secretary on the Portland Buy Local Board.

• Matt O’Brien and Zak Boisvert were hired as assistant coaches for the University of Maine men’s basketball team.

Boisvert, a Portland native, previously worked one-year stints at Iona College and Fairleigh Dickinson. Most recently, O’Brien spent five seasons with America East rival Vermont.

• The University of Southern Maine hired Dr. Manuel Avalos and Dr. James E. Graves as deans for its College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Science, Technology and Health, respectively.

Their appointments will be effective July 1.

Avalos has served as director of research partnerships and innovation, and associate vice chancellor for faculty support and development at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Graves has served as dean and professor at the University of Utah College of Health and its department of exercise and sport science.

AWARDS

• Walter Leffler, who volunteers in the safety department at Southern Maine Health Care, was recently recognized with the Lauren Shulman Volunteer of the Year Award.

Leffler, of Wells, has volunteered at SMHC for 17 years, giving more than 4,000 hours in the safety department. In 2005, he was named Maine’s Volunteer of the Year.

Awards were presented to volunteers for years of service and hours gifted. Presidential Award winners and members of the 2014 Maine Honor Roll were also announced.

• Adam Hanson, an officer of the Maine Association of School Business Officials, was recognized with its Dave Holden Award.

Hanson has served as an officer of the group for many years. He is an active contributor to the group both on the executive committee and as second vice president.

• Sherrie Small, finance coordinator for Maine School Administrative District 61, received her School Business Official II certification.

• The Institute for Family-Owned Business announced winners at its 2014 Maine Family Business Awards, held May 19 at the Marriott at Sable Oaks.

Lamey Wellehan in Lewiston was recognized with The Agren Award for a large business (25 or more employees). Messer Truck Equipment in Portland received the Maddy Corson Award for small business (fewer than 25 employees). Will’s Shop ‘n Save in Dover-Foxcroft was awarded the Shep Lee Award for Community Service.

Chalmers Insurance Group in Bridgton was awarded the Wolak Group Customer Service Award. The Chebeague Island Inn received the First Generation Award.

Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit was presented with the Innovation award. Eco-kids in Portland received the Technology Award.

Other finalists were Acadia Lending, Portland; Cape Shore, Yarmouth; Corsetti’s, Westbrook; Lucy’s Granola, Blue Hill; Maine Coast Kitchen Design, Portland; Nappi Distributors, Gorham; Northeast Coffee Co., Skowhegan; Raye’s Mustard, Eastport; R.E. Lowell Lumber, Buxton; The Animal House, Damariscotta; Tumble Tikes & Athlete’s Training Solutions, Portland.

GENERAL

Casco Bay Wealth Advisors celebrated the launch of its new firm with an open house at 261 Bath Road, Suite B, in Brunswick.

Founded by six financial advisers previously with Northeast Financial Services, the firm opened its doors in December.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Maine's 2013 GDP growth among slowest in nation

Next »

Portland's job growth dominates state, for better or worse