Live and Work in Maine, a private-sector initiative to promote employment in Maine, has formed an advisory board and named an executive director.

The board is expected to provide oversight, guidance and direction for Live and Work in Maine’s efforts, according to a statement announcing the members. The board is composed of business, nonprofit and community leaders, and will meet at least quarterly.

Members include Ed McKersie, founder and president of Live and Work in Maine; Guy Langevin, vice president of human resources and chief administrative officer for Dead River Co.; Melanie Tinto, chief human resource officer for Wex; Bill Allen, president and senior adviser of Allen Advisors; Ed Cervone, executive director of Educate Maine; Quincy Hentzel, CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce; Dana Connors, president and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce; Kim Hamilton, president of FocusMaine; and Dave Vasconcelos, director of business development at the staffing agency Pro Search Inc., who has worked with Live and Work in Maine since its inception.

In addition to appointing an advisory board, the organization also named Nate Wildes as its executive director.

Wildes joined Live and Work in Maine in 2016 as engagement director, after having served as an independent marketing and business development consultant for several years. He also founded Flight Deck Brewing, a craft brewery located at Brunswick Landing, in 2017.

This story was updated at 10 a.m. on Jan. 19 to include a board member inadvertently omitted in the original announcement.


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