Senior Ocean Scientist, Island Institute

Susie Arnold is the Senior Ocean Scientist at Island Institute, where she focuses on the impacts of climate change on fisheries and fishing communities. Her current work includes helping coastal communities better understand the implications of ocean climate change so they can make informed adaptation decisions. She is an appointee to the Maine Climate Council and co-chair of the Climate Council’s Scientific and Technical Subcommittee. Susie earned masters degrees in Marine Biology and Marine Policy and a doctoral degree in Marine Biology from the University of Maine.

Executive Director, A Climate To Thrive

Johannah is a founding member and the Executive Director of A Climate to Thrive, a nonprofit organization based on Mount Desert Island focused on community-driven solutions to climate change. ACTT's work centers on an equitable transition to renewable energy and emissions reduction, community-driven resilience building, and empowerment through education and collaboration. ACTT supports community-driven responses to climate change throughout Maine and beyond. Johannah brings together over fifteen years of experience in nonprofit management, over twelve years of experience in climate action, and a background in education, youth mentorship, and counseling psychology. She is a writer and a mother.Description goes here

Senior Principal, Architect, SMRT

Ellen is committed to using design to effect positive change and is leading efforts to promote carbon reduction in the built environment. She is currently engaged in developing a decarbonization plan for the State of Maine and serves on the Maine Climate Council Buildings, Infrastructure and Housing Work Group. Known for her collaborative leadership skills, Ellen fully engages in a change management mindset. From 2004-2024 Ellen served as SMRT’s president, ably leading the firm during a time of tremendous expansion, advancing the mission of sustainability and positive community impact.

Ellen is active in the communities she lives and works in; she serves on the University of Maine Board of Visitors, the boards of Maine & Company and E2Tech and the advisory board of Portland Trails. Ellen earned her Master of Architecture at Columbia University and her undergraduate degree at Cornell University. She lives in Portland’s Deering Center and enjoys exploring near and far.

President, Coastal Enterprises, Inc.

Keith Bisson is President of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI), a Maine-based Community Development Financial Institution with a mission to build a just, vibrant, and climate-resilient future for people and communities in Maine and rural areas by integrating finance, business expertise, and policy solutions in ways that make the economy work more equitably. He manages the day-to-day operations of the organization and is responsible for the development of CEI’s Climate and Environmental Resilience Fund. Prior to that he was the Senior Vice President for Program Management and Development where he managed CEI’s small business advising, natural resources, and workforce development programs. He was also responsible for federal rural development policy and managing and developing foundation and investor relations.

A graduate of McGill University and the Yale School of the Environment, Keith is active in the community and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Family Focus, an early childhood education center serving Midcoast Maine, and Curtis Memorial Library, in Brunswick, Maine.

Founder, ClimateWork Maine

Alan has been a small business owner, social entrepreneur , author, futurist and convenor for most of his adult life, working on issues ranging from business development to neighborhood renewal, affordable housing, transportation, telecommunications, poverty and the environment.

He is the founder of Envision Maine and it’s successor organization, ClimateWork Maine, and has worked to promote an economy driven by Maine’s innovators, entrepreneurs and doers. He is also the co-founder of GrowSmart Maine, which works to revitalize towns and regions across the state.

Alan is the co-author of two books, Maine’s Next Economy in 2015 and Reinventing Maine Government in 2010. From 2013 to 2018 he wrote a weekly column in the Maine Sunday Telegram and the weekend edition of the Central Maine papers, covering issues ranging from the economy to politics, world affairs, history, music and sports. He was a candidate for Governor in 2018, running as an independent.

Alan is a lifelong Mainer, from a family of mill workers and farmers, who grew up in Waterville, Maine. He is both a high school dropout and the holder of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University,

Owner/Founder, Green & Health Maine magazines, Green Home & Energy Show, and SunriseGuide, LLC

Heather is the owner and founder of the Green & Healthy Maine magazines, the Green Home & Energy Show and the SunriseGuide, LLC, a regional media company dedicated to inspiring and supporting sustainable lifestyles. She has been educating Mainers about ways to reduce energy consumption, increase comfort at home and protect our natural resources, while helping Maine’s green economy grow and thrive for nearly 20 years. She serves on the board of directors for PassivhauseMAINE and the Maine Community Bank Charitable Foundation and is an advisory trustee of Portland Trails and the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. She is a graduate of the 10ksb entrepreneurship program at Babson College, the Institute for Civic Leadership, and Maine’s Top Gun business acceleration program.

Corporate Sustainability Director, Unum

Lydia Covert drives strategies for long-term environmental, social, and governance issues. Her passion lies in helping companies understand that sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand. In her time with Unum, she has led cross-disciplinary teams in completing the first materiality assessment for the company, increasing sustainability disclosures through more comprehensive ESG reporting, and developing strategic sustainability frameworks.  Prior to Unum, Lydia worked on sustainability topics within the food retail sector, including seafood supply chains, internal reporting processes, target-setting and database management, internal and external stakeholder engagement, and the issuance of a sustainability bond. 

President, Alliance for Climate Transition (ACT)

Before stepping into the role of ACT President, Joe Curtatone forged a reputation for being one of the most innovative mayors in the United States as the nine-term Mayor of Somerville, MA. That includes Somerville being named one of only 95 cities in the world to make the CDP Cities A-List for climate planning and action. He also spearheaded a comprehensive net-zero action plan for his city with a strong focus on equity. During his tenure, Curtatone embraced data-driven decision-making, employed systems-based solutions to community issues, and was an innovator in healthy city initiatives. He has forged regional coalitions to tackle issues around transportation, housing, and COVID-19 pandemic response. He also worked to establish Somerville as a leader in climate technology, recruiting Greentown Labs to the city, where it has been steadily growing since 2013. Thanks to his pursuit of cutting-edge industries, Somerville saw its workforce increase by more than 40% during his tenure as the city became the home to billions of dollars of new economic activity. Curtatone also did significant work to reshape the city. In 2014, Somerville opened the first new station in Greater Boston's core light rail transit system in 27 years, and soon it will open six more new stations as part of the first major expansion of that system since the 1980s. In addition, during his time in office, Somerville built a network of more than 40 miles of bicycle lanes inside a city of just 4.1 square miles. He is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School, the New England School of Law, and Boston College. A father of four, Curtatone also has been a longtime high school and youth sports coach.

Principal, Civitas

James brings a wealth of federal and state advocacy, political, and grassroots experience to Civitas. Currently, James leads a client portfolio that tackles a range of economic, health, LGBT, workforce, and clean energy issues. With a background in Republican politics, James leads on projects across the firm and serves as a thought leader for clients focused on building right-of-center support for the leading issues of the day.

Over the course of his career, James has founded, led, and served on the boards of multiple center-right nonprofit endeavors. These include Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) and CRES Forum, organizations building center-right support for clean energy and climate action, and Centerline Action and Centerline Liberties, which spearheaded a successful GOP-focused advocacy campaign to pass the Respect for Marriage Act. James also serves as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Political Advocacy Committee. 

Prior to joining our team, James worked at the Victory Fund, a Washington, D.C. based political action committee, where he served as deputy political director and successfullydesigned campaign and communication strategies for dozens of political candidates from across the country. James also worked at Gill Action where he led the organization’s electoral and legislative efforts in New England and the Mountain West.

He started his political career as a campaign staffer for Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-MD) in 2002 and has worked to advise and elect candidates running for office at all levels of government ever since.‍

James earned his bachelor’s degree from American University with an academic concentration in political science and international relations.

Executive Director, Maine Conservation Alliance/Maine Conservation Voters

Maureen Drouin is Executive Director of Maine Conservation Alliance and Maine Conservation Voters where she leads the organizations’ interconnected goals of environmental protection, climate action, voting rights, and racial equity. Maureen’s mission is to make the state’s environmental movement a powerful force through advocacy, collaboration, and political action. She has overseen the growth of MCA and MCV from a staff of two to twelve and has helped create and steward effective collaborations, including Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition. Previously, Maureen worked on conservation at the state, regional, and federal levels with the National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, and Northern Forest Alliance. She currently serves on the Natural and Working Lands Working Group of the Maine Climate Council, Hallowell Conservation Commission, and the Advisory Board of Community Organizing Alliance.

Maureen graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in geology and environmental studies and completed a fellowship program with Green Corps, the field school for environmental organizing.

Maine State Coordinator, Citizens Climate Lobby

Peter Dugas is the Maine State Coordinator for Citizens Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan grassroots organization focused on building the political will for effective and equitable climate solutions to meet the scope and scale of the climate challenge. He serves as the liaison to the office of Senator Angus King (ME-I) and Portland Chapter co-leader. Peter is an EN-ROADS Climate Ambassador and has been a passionate advocate for climate change solutions since earning a degree in Physics and Engineering from Brown University. Peter is a native Mainer and lives and works with his wife and daughter in Portland, Maine.

Director, Maine Climate Action Now

Formerly Program Director at 350 Maine, Amy has been a leader in Maine’s climate movement for over a decade. Before moving to Maine, she worked as a practicing artist and art educator in London and New York. Amy leads in energy equity through community engagement, in the Maine climate movement.

President, Wicked Joe Organic Coffee Co.

Bob Garver, along with his partner Carmen, founded Wicked Joe Organic Coffees in Topsham as well as Bard Coffee in Portland.

Wicked Joe’s mission is to provide its customers with extraordinary coffees in a manner that strengthens the environment, its farmers, its staff, and its community.

A certified B Corp, Wicked Joe is one of the top ten organic coffee companies in the nation, is distributed in all 50 states, and can be found in over 8500 retail stores nationwide.

Mayor, City of Biddeford 

Marty is the youngest of 8 kids and grew up on a farm in Carthage, Maine. Marty went to Dirigo schools and then to Gould Academy in Bethel as a day student, and then to RPI for engineering school. After graduating he got a job at GE Plastics, and worked all over the US and in Austria, helping start up plants making composite decking, and still holds some patents for the process.

Realizing that back home in Maine was place he most wanted to be, he decided to start his own composite decking company, making decking out of sawdust and recycled yogurt tubs. He settled on Biddeford as the best location, and grew the company, then known as CorrectDeck, to 75 employees in a 24/7 operation and made the Inc 500 list several times. Though he sold the company in 2009, it still operates in the Biddeford Industrial Park under the name Duralife Decking today.

Marty served as a State Representative for two terms between 2014 and 2018. He was elected to represent Ward 3 on the Biddeford City Council in 2021 and was elected Mayor in 2023. While serving on the City Council, Grohman was a member of the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Task Force and the Climate Change Task Force. He previously chaired the Recycling and Waste Management Commission, helping to develop the City’s recycling program. He is always interested in the intersection between economy and the environment.

Vice President, Economic Development, Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Rhiannon Hampson brings decades of advocacy and community engagement experience to her work in economic development. Having been raised in some of the most rural pockets of Maine, and graduating from the University of Maine at Machias, Rhiannon is committed to ensuring that all voices have a place in planning Maine’s future. Most recently serving as the Biden-Harris appointed State Director of USDA Rural Development, Rhiannon worked on policy and programming to help mitigate the negative effects of climate change, while supporting small businesses. Believing that our heritage industries can be drivers of climate solutions, she co-owns a regenerative livestock and organic dairy farm in Knox County, with her husband and their two children.

President & CEO, Goodwill Northern New England

Tripp Harrison, originally from Oxford, MS, has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management at Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, SC, and earned his MBA from Kansas State University.

He worked for several hospitality groups in various leadership roles. He first sparked his passion for environmental impact while at Compass Group, focusing on preventing unnecessary food waste in our ecosystem, which, a staggering 1/3 of all food produced globally is wasted each year.

Currently, Tripp serves as President and CEO for Goodwill Northern New England. Goodwill has been around since 1902 and was recycling WAY before it was cool and necessary to do so. Today, Tripp leads an organization that diverts over 50 million pounds of donated goods from our local landfills and currently has an overall 80% waste diversion rate, with a goal of getting to zero waste by 2030.

He resides in Scarborough, ME, with his wife and three children, and they love the year-round outdoor activities that Northern New England has to offer.

CEO, Androscoggin Bank

Neil J. Kiely is the President and CEO and of Androscoggin Bank, one of only 14 B Corp Certified banks nationwide. Under Neil’s leadership, the Bank has pioneered an innovative, sustainably oriented multistakeholder business model. Highlights include introducing an Islamic compliant alternative mortgage solution, reducing the Bank’s scope carbon emissions by 63% and launching a Sustainable Deposit Program linked to financing organizations within the categories of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Before joining the Bank’s Executive Team, Neil served for five years as a Director on the Androscoggin Board.  Neil’s background includes law, real estate development and other entrepreneurial ventures. Neil served five years as the Director of Development--New England for First Wind, LLC, where he led internal and external teams in all aspects of the development of grid scale wind and solar energy projects from site identification through community engagement and permitting to construction. Neil received his J.D. from Emory University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Boston College. Recent past service includes membership on the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the Board of ClimateWork Maine. Neil lives in Falmouth, Maine with his wife Elise and their two children.

CEO and CoFounder, Tanbark Molded Fiber

Melissa LaCasse is the CEO and co-founder of Tanbark Molded Fiber Products, an early-stage manufacturing company developing sustainable, bio-based solutions to replace single-use plastics. At the intersection of innovation and impact, Melissa is driving new opportunities for Maine’s legacy industries of forestry and manufacturing through a bold vision for the future of materials.

She co-founded Tanbark in 2021 to challenge the status quo in manufacturing and confront the global plastic crisis head-on. Her leadership is rooted in a deep commitment to sustainability, shared prosperity, and strategic execution. With a background in public media, Melissa brings expertise in B2B sales, business development, fundraising, and content syndication; skills she now applies to scaling Tanbark's reach and relevance in the market.

Melissa serves as Chair of the Board for the Maine Technology Institute, representing the Advanced Technologies for Forestry and Agriculture sector, and is a Trustee of the Board for Maine Public.

Environmental Sustainability Manager, Allagash Brewing Company

Zoe plays a key role in developing and expanding the brewery's sustainability initiatives. In the newly created role of Sustainability Manager, Zoe has spearheaded training programs for staff, B Corp recertification, and Allagash’s first major carbon accounting project. Originally from Portland, Zoe holds a B.S. in biology and chemistry from Manhattan College. Before joining the craft beer industry, she demonstrated her dedication to sustainability as an environmental educator in New York City. Her blend of academic knowledge and industry experience drives meaningful contributions to Allagash's sustainable practices.

Executive Director, ClimateWork Maine

Jeff has worked for twenty years at the intersection of business, government, and the economy.

He currently serves as ClimateWork Maine’s first Executive Director. He was previously Maine Director and Senior Policy Advocate at Acadia Center, where he works on climate change and energy issues. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of E2Tech (the Environmental & Energy Technology Council of Maine).

In 2010 – 2012, he served as the Deputy Director of the Governor's Energy Office. Prior to that, he worked at United Technologies as the Director of Energy and EHS Policy, and as the manager of Government Relations. From 2000 to 2004, Jeff was the Director of Environmental and Air Quality at the National Association of Manufacturers.

Cofounder and CEO, Timber HP

Matthew is the Co-founder and CEO of Timber HP, a licensed architect, and a seasoned entrepreneur with nearly two decades of experience leading companies across various industries.

Having successfully founded and scaled multiple businesses, Matthew has built a career focused on innovation and pioneering sustainable architectural design, construction, and building material technologies.

At Timber HP, Matthew is driving the development and scaling of environmentally responsible insulation solutions which are critical to decarbonizing the built environment.

Matthew’s work has been widely recognized, including being named to Architecture Magazine’s Top 50 Architects list, and earning numerous national AIA design awards. His leadership and achievements have also been honored with various business and sustainability awards throughout his career.

Director, State of Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future

Hannah Pingree was appointed to lead Governor Mills' Office of Policy Innovation and the Future in January 2019. Hannah previously served as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives from 2008 to 2010. She also served as the Maine House Majority Leader, Chair of the Committee on Health and Human Services, and as a member of the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs during her terms in Maine Legislature from 2002 - 2010. Hannah spearheaded successful legislation on energy, broadband, housing, environmental health, and health care during her time in office. Hannah has worked for a technology start-up in New York City; managed several family small businesses; led the development of rural housing, energy efficiency, and eldercare projects for a coalition of community non-profits; chaired her local school board; and served on numerous state and community non-profit boards.

Senior Advocate for Climate & Clean Energy, Natural Resources Council of Maine

Rebecca Schultz is a senior advocate for climate and clean energy with the Natural Resources Council of Maine. She has over 15 years of experience in climate, air quality, and electric utility policy, including with U.S. EPA, the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP), and the Center for American Progress. Much of her career has focused on international advising, particularly building capacity to reduce emissions in China, where she lived and worked for many years. She holds a Masters of Environmental Science from Yale’s School of Forestry.

Executive Director & Co-Founder, The Climate Initiative

Leia Lowery is The Climate Initiative’s Executive Director and Co-Founder with over twenty five years of experience in education, curriculum development and community engagement. Her passion is developing place and community-based programs to inspire community action and influence youth impact. An award-winning speaker and trainer, Leia hopes to empower communities to build a more vibrant and equitable future. You can learn more about The Climate Initiative at www.theclimateinitiative.org.

Buildings & Energy Efficiency Analyst, Maine Governor’s Energy Office

Ross Anthony serves as the Buildings and Energy Efficiency Analyst for the Maine Governor’s Energy Office. In his previous role, Ross was a consultant for energy industry projects for commercial, industrial, and residential energy efficiency and market assessments, demand side management, climate change mitigation, and energy savings potential at the state and federal level for public and private clients. Ross was born and raised in Evansville, IN and holds a B.S. in Economics from the University of Evansville and a M.S. in Resource Economics and Policy from the University of Maine.

President & Co-Chair, FocusMaine

Andrea Cianchette Maker, the Co-founder and Co-chair of FocusMaine since its inception in 2014, became the President of FocusMaine in May 2023.

Prior, Andrea chaired the Government Relations Practice at Pierce Atwood LLP, Maine’s premier law firm. A visionary and action-oriented leader known for her ability to conceptualize and advance agendas that drive growth for individuals, organizations, and Maine’s economy, she co-founded the predecessor to Educate Maine and served on the Commission on Maine’s Future and the Commission on the Future of Maine’s Paper Industry.

She’s a former Board of Trustees member for Maine Public, Maine Community Foundation, Susan L Curtis Foundation, and Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education. A passionate advocate for positive change, Andrea’s core strengths lie in strategic, civic-minded leadership, achieving outcomes, and a remarkable ability to connect people and resources.

She has been honored with the Crystal Heart Award by the American Heart Association (Maine Chapter), named one of four “Women to Watch” by Mainebiz in 2016, and featured in Maine magazine’s “50 Mainers” list. Andrea received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Maine and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics.

Executive Director, Live + Work in Maine

As Executive Director for Live and Work in Maine, Nate is focused on raising awareness about the career opportunities and world-class quality of life experienced by those of us who live and work in Maine.

A University of Maine graduate who followed employment to the mid-west only to come 'Boomeranging' to the Way Life Should Be, Nate knows first-hand how under-appreciated life in Maine is – and how much opportunity there is for our future.

Nate is also co-founder of Flight Deck Brewing on Brunswick Landing (the re-developed Brunswick Naval Air Station). The production brewery is open to the public, offering beer, wood-fired pizza, and family-friendly events. Also look for cans of Flight Deck beer at your local Maine craft beer store!

Co-owner & Farmer, Begin Again Farm

Representative Bill Pluecker is the co-owner and farmer at Begin Again Farm, in Warren, ME. Since 2004, he has been growing vegetables and livestock for a CSA and wholesale markets. Currently the farm contracts with Mainers Feeding Mainers to distribute peppers and squash to local food pantries, and grows garlic for the local wholesale markets.

Since 2018, he has had the honor of representing his community as an Independent in the Maine State House. His district, HD 44, includes Warren, Hope, and Union. He is serving his second term as the House Chair for the Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee.

Bill also works as the Public Policy Organizer for Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. At MOFGA he focuses his work on PFAS advocacy on the federal level and supports state representatives and community organizations around the country in their work on state level PFAS and sludge advocacy. Federally, he is advocating for the passage of the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, sponsored by Senator Collins and Representative Pingree. The bill, when passed, will create a safety net for farmers affected by PFAS contamination.

As a successful small business owner, Bill has excelled at the complexity of simultaneously providing quality food for the community, running a business, stewarding the land, and raising a family.

Founder, Allagash Brewing Company

Rob Tod founded Allagash Brewing Company in 1995 with the goal of giving people new experiences with craft beer. In 2021 and 2023, Allagash was named Brewery of the Year (for its size category) at the Great American Beer Festival. Rob is the past Chair of the Brewers Association trade group and received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer in 2019.

Executive Director, Center for an Ecology-Based Economy

As an activist and father, Scott sees a profound need to rapidly relocalize and solarize our economy to help future generations and wild nature thrive in the face of increasing climate instability and resource depletion. Scott is a professional photographer and writer and spent many years documenting the organic seed movement. He also teaches and practices permaculture design, builds with local timber, and worked for many years as a market gardener. He lives off the grid in Otisfield where he still grows gardens with his neighbors and friends, paddles with the beavers on Moose Pond, and skis his ever expanding trail network every chance he gets.

Senior Communication Specialist, Allagash Brewing Company

Since 2016, Brett has helped to share the good work, and good beer, of Allagash Brewing Company. Through packaging, branding, website, advertisements, press relations, newsletter, social media, and as host of their podcast, Brett has communicated the brewery's purpose-driven practices. He lives in Falmouth, Maine, with his wife, kids, and small brown dog.

Director of eMobility, Revision Energy

As Director of eMobility for ReVision Energy, Barry has been involved in the EV world since 2010 and started ReVision’s EV charging division in 2017. He is now responsible for the division’s sales and business development opportunities in Maine and helping develop its vision for eMobility. ReVision is a B-certified Corporation and 100% employee owned entity that offers design, engineering and installation expertise for a variety of clean energy technologies. Barry is on the board of ClimateWork Maine and a Trustee of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority. He is also President of the board of Plug In America, the only independent US-based non-profit who is the voice of EV drivers. Barry received a B.A from Bowdoin College and a J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School.