Blog Archives

John Hathaway | CEO and President of Shucks Maine Lobster

“I’m a better dreamer than a businessman,” says John Hathaway, CEO and president of Shucks Maine Lobster, but his business record is impressive. After opening companies all over the world, including a successful real estate development firm, Hathaway returned to his home state of Maine to open

Adele Masengo Ngoy | President & Founder of Women United Around the World, Founder of Adele Masengo Designs, Owner of Antoine’s Tailor Shop and Formal Wear

Fashion designer Adele Masengo Ngoy rose to prominence in southern Maine through her vibrantskillfully crafted styles and support of a growing design community in Portland. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ngoy attended fashion school and worked as a professor. When she came to Portland as a

Stephen D. Sears, M.D., MPH | Chief of Staff at VA Maine Healthcare System

Dr. Stephen D. Sears has spent his entire career in the public health field, from his time on the faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health to hospital administration at MaineGeneral Health and Mercy Hospital to serving as the state epidemiologist and now chief of staff

Deanna Sherman | President and CEO of Dead River Company

Deanna Sherman began at Dead River Company in 1986 as assistant manager of procurement. Over the next two decades she moved up to district manager, region manager, and then vice president of the energy division. In 2016, she became president and CEO of the 108-year old, family-owned company.

Craig Lapine | Executive Director and Founder of Cultivating Community

The goal of Cultivating Community, which Craig Lapine founded in 2001, is to democratize the ability to produce or consume healthy, local food. Its programs include community gardens, farmer training, teen programs, and partnerships that help schools create gardens and garden-based curriculum. As executive director of the Portland-based organization, Lapine

Erin Flett | Textile Designer

Featured in more than 45 magazines around the world, Erin Flett’s vibrant, graphic prints have made a resounding impact on the world of design. First a graphic designer for businesses, Flett branched out into freelance work when she was four months pregnant. “I wanted to make things that would

Justin Alfond | Entrepreneur, Former Maine Senate President

In Justin Alfond’s career as politician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, he has concentrated his efforts on helping the state and its residents reach their potential. “My parents and grandparents taught me to believe in myself and my community,” he says. “Every person has a talent and deserves an opportunity