Member News

Maine clinician Amanda Sexton is joining Thomas College as assistant professor to help lead the new master’s in clinical mental health program that is launching this fall.

Sexton is a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in Maine with areas of expertise and interest in LGBTQ+ issues and concerns, trauma, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating.

She holds her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Utah State University, a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Counseling Education and Supervision with a research focus in counselor experiences in level of preparedness working with LGBTQ+ clients that are facing religious and family support system loss.

Camden National Bank announced today that Josh Nash has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, succeeding William “Bill” Martel, who has retired after a distinguished career with the Bank.

In his expanded role, Nash will lead enterprise technology strategy, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, business intelligence, data governance, and digital transformation. Known for pairing technical depth with practical execution, he has helped modernize Camden National Bank’s technology architecture and strengthen the data capabilities that support growth, faster decision-making, and a stronger customer experience.

“Josh brings the rare combination of deep technical expertise, strategic judgment, and people-first leadership that today’s banking environment requires,” said Simon Griffiths, President and Chief Executive Officer of Camden National Bank. “He has been instrumental in building the technology and data foundation that will help us continue to innovate responsibly and deliver a best-in-class customer experience.”

Thomas College biology and psychology student Macy Cram is one of 11 students selected for the University of Florida Health Cancer Center’s STRONGER Program internship this summer.

Cram, from New Limerick, Maine, is spending the summer conducting cancer research under the mentorship of Samantha Ali Ghandour, a PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is assisting with research exploring Mitochondria-Associated Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Metabolic Signaling while gaining hands-on experience in cell culture and advanced laboratory techniques.

Officials from the Kennebec Water District and the Town of Vassalboro gathered at KWD’s Vassalboro treatment plant July 8 to finalize KWD’s sale of about 26 acres of its land to the town.

Attorney Mary Denison, of Lake and Denison, in Winthrop, distributed documents for the appropriate signatures. KWD General Manager Roger Crouse acknowledged that KWD was selling the land, for $1; Vassalboro Town Manager Aaron Miller acknowledged the town was buying it, for $1.

Vassalboro voters approved the sale and appropriated the $1 at their June 1 town meeting. The town also covered the buyer’s fees of $969.40 that Miller planned to include in the bills presented for payment at the July 8 select board meeting.

Thomas College students Cayo Novaes, Vitor Povoa, and Gabriel Guizelini Fortuna won second place on Season 11 of Greenlight Maine’s College Edition business competition show this weekend. They won $7,500 and competed against students from both Colby College and the College of the Atlantic.

Novaes, from Brasília, Brazil, recently graduated from Thomas College with a degree in business management and marketing management. Povoa, also from Brasília, Brazil, is entering his senior year as an international business student. Guizelini Fortuna, from Birigui, Brazil, recently graduated from Thomas College with a degree in finance.

Launching its inaugural round of grant funding to support downtown revitalization, the Town of Oakland has awarded $25,000 to three local businesses. This financial support is distributed through the Oakland Façade & Downtown Improvement Grant Program (OFDIG) to directly spur business and facility investments and strengthen community vibrancy. Funded by the town's Downtown Tax-Increment Financing (TIF) District, OFDIG provides financial assistance for exterior building and site improvements that enhance the visual appeal, accessibility, and long-term vitality of the commercial center. Structured as a 1:1 required matching reimbursement program, this initial $25,000 grant allocation is expected to stimulate a total of $81,607 in capital improvements within the downtown district.

The 12th Annual Cruisin’ for a Cure Car Show, held on June 6, 2026, raised an incredible $23,040.48 for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP), a division of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Scarborough.

Despite a few sprinkles throughout the day, the weather held with overcast but dry conditions, creating the perfect setting for another successful event. With the support of dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic spectators, generous sponsors, and an impressive 186 registered participants, this year’s car show was one of the strongest yet.

NDBS is pleased to announce the addition of Frank Isganitis to its team. A highly accomplished financial services leader, Isganitis, brings extensive experience in SBA lending, credit management, entrepreneurship, and hospitality operations.

Throughout his career, Isganitis has successfully combined business ownership with senior leadership roles, providing him with a unique perspective on lending, operations, and business growth. His expertise includes underwriting complex transactions, managing high-performing teams, and helping businesses secure the financing they need to achieve their goals.

These grants support children and families across Maine through mental health care, parenting education, and family-centered services. 

Recent awards include: 

• A $10,000 grant from the Maine Charity Foundation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF), awarded in May 2026, to support prenatal and parenting education, mental health connections and community resources for pregnant and parenting teens and young adults in MCH’s young parent support program. 

• A $7,500 grant from The Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, awarded in May 2026, to support the creation of a healing garden for clients served through the future MCH Center for Families. 

Your voice as a local business or nonprofit leader has direct power to bring federal investment into our region.

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) is currently updating its Community Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document. This crucial document is submitted directly to the federal government to leverage funding for our local infrastructure, business development, and community projects.

Join Maine's Hire-A-Vet Campaign and job seekers statewide for a virtual hiring event on Friday July 24^th from 11am to 1pm! In observance of National Hire-a-Vet Day, we aim to connect veteran and civilian job seekers with resource providers and good-fitting job opportunities.

  These events help generate partnership and funding to bring JA learning experiences to students across the state. You're invited to join a JA Maine event!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Mid-Maine Chamber Scholarship winners:  Bill & Joan Alfond Family Scholarship Award Winner - Piper Hamilton and 2026 Joseph B. Ezhaya Scholarship Award Winner - Anna Bearce.

Maine Children's Home has received renewal of its Hague Accreditation for intercountry adoption services through the Center for Excellence in Adoption Services (CEAS), extending accreditation through May 31, 2030. The renewal marks the fifth time the organization's Family Adoption Program has achieved accreditation. 

The Maine International Film Festival Returns to Waterville This July for Its 29th Season!

AUGUSTA, MAINE—United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) announced today that President and CEO Courtney Yeager will conclude her tenure with the organization on August 18, 2026, following 10 years of service to UWKV, including the past seven years as President and CEO. 

Yeager, the first female and youngest President and CEO in the organization's history, is stepping down as she and her family prepare to relocate to her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, to be closer to extended family as their two young children grow up. 

One in five youth in Maine experiences two or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) over the course of their childhood. With a high prevalence of children experiencing trauma in the state, not every professional who interacts with children is equipped to support them in the best way possible.

Thomas College is launching a new Master of Education in Trauma Healing and Community Wellness degree to support these professionals. Set to launch this Fall, this interdisciplinary program is designed for current and future professionals who work in educational, social service or wellness fields seeking advanced knowledge in understanding and addressing the pervasive effects of trauma.

 A Thomas College student is one of only three students in the country who was accepted into a National Science Foundation (NSF) SuRE (Support for Research Excellence) summer research program. Alexis Spencer, a psychology and biology major from Sabattus, Maine, was accepted into an NSF SURE program at North Dakota State University in the Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials. Acceptance rates for NSF summer research programs range from about two to ten percent.

Statewide celebration will honor nonprofits, business leaders, and partnerships creating meaningful change across Maine
PORTLAND, ME -  Mainebiz has announced the finalists for its inaugural Community Impact Awards, a new statewide recognition program celebrating the organizations, leaders, and collaborations making a lasting difference in Maine communities.

United Way of Kennebec Valley (UWKV) is proud to announce Katie and Chris Doherty as co-chairs of its 2026 annual campaign, which will officially launch in September under the theme “United is the Way.” 

In this leadership role, the Dohertys will guide UWKV’s community-wide fundraising efforts, working to engage individuals, businesses, and organizations across the Kennebec Valley. As longtime residents of the region, they will serve as key ambassadors for the campaign, helping to strengthen partnerships and expand support for UWKV’s mission. 

Golden Pond Wealth Management’s founder and managing director, Brian Bernatchez, CFP®, was recently named to Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for the seventh consecutive year.

Golden Pond Wealth Management is based in Waterville, Maine. They provide retirement planning and comprehensive wealth management to individuals and families, and investment & endowment management to non-profit institutions.

New Dimensions Federal Credit Union (NDFCU) is proud to announce Annabelle Hanscom of Messalonskee High School as the recipient of the 2026 NDFCU Future Ready Scholarship.

After reviewing several impressive applications, the Scholarship Committee selected Annabelle based on her academic achievements, volunteer work, references, essay, and overall application strength.

Annabelle will receive a total scholarship award of $5,000, distributed as $2,500 for the Fall semester and $2,500 for the Spring semester. She plans to attend the University of Maine at Farmington this fall to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education.

The 2026 honorary degree recipients have transformed their industries and the state of Maine through their contributions and their leadership. They are being honored for their care for the state of Maine, their success in their respective fields, and their commitment to give back to their communities.

Thomas College is proud to announce the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in Athletic Coaching, a dynamic undergraduate program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the rapidly growing field of athletics and coaching.

Kennebec Savings Bank President & CEO Andrew Silsby is pleased to announce the promotions of four members of the Bank's team, reflecting the organization's ongoing commitment to recognizing talent and growing leaders from within.

Thomas College announces a new master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling set to launch in Fall 2026 that will help address pressing mental health care needs in rural Maine.

There is a critical need for licensed clinical mental health counselors in the state of Maine, especially in rural areas of the state. According to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) data gathered in 2025, 71% of U.S. adults ages 18-34 say that the COVID-19 pandemic affected their mental health; and 33.2% of U.S. young adults ages 18-25 experience mental illness. NAMI’s 2025 data indicates that Maine is facing a mental health care crisis, with more than 260,000 Mainers living in communities without enough mental health care professionals. Mainers are 10x more likely to be forced out of network for mental health care than for primary care, and Maine’s ratio of K-12 school psychologists to school children is less than 1/3 of the recommended national norm.

Get ready to kick off summer with one of the area’s most anticipated events! The Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure Car Show, hosted by New Dimensions Federal Credit Union, is back on Saturday, June 6th, bringing together classic cars, community spirit, and a meaningful cause. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a family looking for a great day out, or simply want to support a local mission, this event has something for everyone. Event Details:Location:Waterville Regional Airport (formerly Robert LaFleur Airport) provides the perfect open space for an impressive lineup of vehicles and a full day of activity.

WATERVILLE, MAINE, April 2026 — Thomas College is hosting a five-day, five-night, hands-on education camp, Adult Working Canine Training Camp.

Hosted on Thomas College’s campus in Waterville, Maine from July 19-24, 2026, this camp is open to experienced and new handlers, and individuals interested in starting in the working dog fields of Search-and-Rescue (SAR), detection, sport/competition, and therapeutic service.

WATERVILLE, MAINE, March 2026 — Thomas College is hosting a Graduate Open House on April 23, 2026, at 4-5 p.m. Open to professionals who are interested in graduate programs, this event will take place on Thomas College’s campus at 180 West River Road in Waterville.

This event is designed for professionals who are ready to advance their skills, expand their opportunities, and earn a master’s degree in business, education, criminology or cybersecurity. Registration is available online.

Thomas College announces New York Times Best Selling author and media and sports executive Bill Burke as its 2026 Commencement Speaker.

Burke, who has served as Chairman of the Portland Sea Dogs, president of TBS and CEO of the Weather Channel Companies, will speak at Thomas College’s 123rd Commencement on May 16. He will also receive an honorary degree.

Burke founded The Optimism Institute after a career in media and sports as an executive, writer, and producer. He developed the idea for the Institute in 2022 while he was a Fellow in Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees donated more than $26,000 to 10 Northern New England nonprofits as part of its Casual for a Cause charitable giving program in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Casual for a Cause participants dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected each quarter. The program participants then vote on which community organizations will receive the funds collected the previous quarter.

More than $463,000 has been donated by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust to Northern New England nonprofits since the program began in 2018.

Thomas College is excited to welcome high school students from across Maine and beyond to participate in its 2026 summer camps offered on campus. These immersive academic camps are designed to provide hands-on learning, skill-building, and real-world exploration, giving students a taste of college life while diving into engaging academic and career pathways.

This summer’s lineup includes three distinctive overnight camp experiences, each tailored to deliver immersive instruction, teamwork, and personal growth:

Lifestyle Sports Global, LLC (LSG) will transfer management of all their races to Maine Endurance Sports Alliance (MESA), a Maine nonprofit organization (501(c)3 (status is pending), ensuring the legacy and future success of the races bringing runners from all over the world to Central Maine. Over the past 4 years, LSG has developed 6 races, bringing over 1,200 runners with their family and friends, to Central Maine.

MESA will take the helm with some changes allowing more runners to participate in the events. The transition aims to leverage the new organization’s expertise in expanding community engagement, enhance the experience for runners, volunteers, event expansion and development of new events in Maine.

Thomas College is excited to welcome high school students from across Maine and beyond to participate in its 2026 summer camps offered on campus. These immersive academic camps are designed to provide hands-on learning, skill-building, and real-world exploration, giving students a taste of college life while diving into engaging academic and career pathways.

This summer’s lineup includes three distinctive overnight camp experiences, each tailored to deliver immersive instruction, teamwork, and personal growth:

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments looking for individuals who have a passion for economic development and want to help local businesses thrive.

The RLF Committee is responsible for reviewing loan applications and making recommendations for funding. KVCOG needs a diverse group of members who represent the different communities within Kennebec, Somerset, and Western Waldo Counties. Especially interested in people with backgrounds in:

• Banking
• Law
• Accounting
• Real Estate Appraisal
• Industrial or business leadership
• Public administration

The people who serve on this committee are committed to meeting at least 4x a year plus meetings as needed to discuss KVCOG’s revolving loan fund program and make decisions on approval/denials of loan applications.

Interested persons may contact Maggie Camden via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone: 207-453-4258 ext: 221