Camden National Bank promotes Barbara Raths

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Barbara Raths

Camden National Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Barbara Raths, who formerly served as director of treasury management and government banking, to executive vice president of commercial banking. In her elevated role, Raths will focus on accelerating core commercial business development across the company’s footprint and will continue to lead treasury management sales and service strategies.

“Barbara has an unwavering commitment to her clients,” said Simon Griffiths, president and chief executive officer of Camden National Bank. “Her client-centric approach will lead us to expand our relationship banking focus as we continue to drive organic growth. Barbara’s promotion represents our strategic and thoughtful succession planning as well as the exceptional talent and bench strength within our organization. I am confident Barbara will make an excellent addition to our executive team.”

A leading industry expert, Raths has an extensive 20-year banking and finance career, with four of those years cultivating treasury relationships at Camden National Bank. She has taken on increasing levels of leadership with an exceptional focus on delivering integrated financial solutions, prudent risk management, and operational excellence.

Raths earned a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric at Bates College, in Lewiston, and an MBA with a finance concentration from the University of Southern Maine. She is chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Maine Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority, serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Maine International Trade Center, and is a member of the Maine District Export Council.

Scholarship application open for public high school seniors

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The Worthington Scholarship Foundation is excited to announce their 2024 scholarship application is now open. Students graduating from a Maine public high school who meet the eligibility requirements may apply.

To complete an application, students must have a high school GPA of a C- or higher and a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $20,000 or less as determined by FAFSA. They must also attend a Worthington-eligible college the fall semester after their graduation and be a Maine resident.

The Worthington Scholarship Foundation partners with Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Husson, Maine Maritime Academy, Thomas, the University of Maine system, and the Maine Community College system.

Applications are due April 15, 2024. To learn more and apply, visit their website worthingtonscholars.org.

The Worthington Scholarship Foundation provides multi-year scholarships.

For more information, please visit www.worthington­scholars.­org.

Northern Light Health joins Health Care Climate Council

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Displaying continued commitment to the health of its patients, colleagues, and community, Northern Light Health has been selected as the newest member of the Health Care Climate Council. Northern Light is leading the way in minimizing its environmental effects while providing excellent care in a sustainable manner.

Northern Light’s focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction is a key component of its efforts, as it recently signed the Health Sector Pledge to halve its emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. So far, Northern Light Health has reduced its emissions by about 10 percent since 2021. Additionally, Northern Light recently completed a Climate Resiliency Plan to address operational risks and vulnerabilities related to extreme weather events and the changing disease burden.

“Northern Light Health is proud to join the Health Care Climate Council, which is leading the health care sector’s urgent response to climate change,” said Tim Doak, chief environmental sustainability officer. “Our bottom-line goal is to help people lead healthy and happy lives. Working to make Northern Light Health a leader in emissions reduction furthers our mission and supports our patients and community.”

Established by Health Care Without Harm, the Health Care Climate Council is a leadership body of health systems committed to protecting their patients and employees from the health effects of climate change and becoming anchors for resilient communities.

Together, the 19 member systems represent 500 hospitals in 28 states and 250 Congressional districts with a total annual operating revenue of more than $180 billion and more than one million employees.

Health Care Climate Council members implement innovative climate solutions, inspire and support others to act, and use their trusted voice and purchasing power to move policy and markets to drive the transformation to climate-smart healthcare.

“We are delighted to welcome Northern Light Health to the U.S. Health Care Climate Council,” said Jessica Wolff, Health Care Without Harm’s U.S. director for Climate and Health. “With the addition of Northern Light, the Climate Council further demonstrates its commitment to the sector’s transition to 100 percent renewable energy and climate-smart healthcare. We are looking forward to continuing our work with the Climate Council on ambitious mitigation and resilience initiatives and harnessing the powerful voice of its members to help patients, staff, and communities understand that climate change is about health.”

New Dimensions FCU has record-breaking impact on volunteerism

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Lauren McCallum, left, League Communications Coordinator, and Ryan Poulin, CEO, New Dimensions FCU. (contributed photo)

New Dimensions FCU has demonstrated its commitment to the philosophy of People Helping People by volunteering their personal time and assistance to local communities each year. In 2023, the credit union recorded an outstanding 1,994.75 hours of personal volunteer time, surpassing all other credit unions of its asset size across Maine.

Since 2018, the Maine Credit Union League has been tracking credit union volunteerism efforts through the CUs Share for ME form. Last year, credit unions in Maine reported a record-breaking 29,294.98 hours of volunteer time. According to the Independent Sector’s newest Value of Volunteer Time report, each hour of volunteer work is estimated to be worth $31.80. By this calculation, New Dimensions FCU’s volunteer efforts in 2023 alone were valued at approximately $63,433.05.

At the League’s annual Ending Hunger Luncheon on February 13, 2024, New Dimensions received recognition for recording the highest volunteer time among credit unions with similar asset sizes. This accomplishment showcases its staff’s unwavering dedication to serving and strengthening the communities where they live and work. Through the credit union’s commitment to volunteerism, it is proud to embody the mission of People Helping People.

The record-breaking volunteer hours in 2023 were made possible by the active participation of the credit union’s staff in various community events and initiatives throughout the year. The MECUL Ending Hunger in Maine Campaign, which offered several volunteer opportunities, was instrumental to its success. Moreover, dozens of its staff generously volunteered their time at local food banks, soup kitchens, youth athletics, local area schools, and organizations such as Special Olympics Maine, the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, Maine Children’s Cancer Program, and the Travis Mills Found­ation.

United in their dedication to making a meaningful impact and showcasing collective action, the staff of NDFCU selflessly volunteered their time. Firm believers in the philosophy of ‘people helping people,’ they embody the spirit of community service. Their strong determination to volunteer will continue to create lasting positive changes as they work together to build a brighter future for the communities they serve.

Northern Light Inland Hospital welcomes new members to board of trustees

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Northern Light Inland Hospital is pleased to welcome the following community members to the Waterville hospital’s board of trustees.

Kelly Huggins, CPA, MBA, from Belgrade, is a certified public accountant and Tax director at One River CPAs in Oakland and has held similar positions in tax accounting since 2011. She earned her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Thomas College. Huggins is also a board member with Waterville Creates!. She enjoys kayaking around the Belgrade Lakes region with her family.

Bert Languet, CFP, MBA, lives in Belgrade Lakes and has been a certified financial planner with Golden Pond Wealth Management, in Waterville, for 28 years. Languet is president of the Belgrade Lakes Association, Class of 1988 gift chairman for Colby College, is a co-founder of the Maine Pond Hockey Classic. He is past president of the Augusta Kiwanis Club and has served on many local boards. He received his MBA from Thomas College and his BA from Colby College, both in Waterville.

Tonya Philbrick-Labbe is from Sidney. After retiring from the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services, she started a second career as a product owner for Gainwell Technologies. She is a valued thought leader in Child and Family Services. Philbrick-Labbe received her associate degree from Mid-State College in Applied Science and a BS in Business Management from Thomas College, in Waterville. She is the treasurer, membership chairman, and grant writer for the Sidney Trail Riders Snowmobile Club.

Katie Spencer White, from Brunswick, serves as the president and CEO of the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter and Services and was appointed by Governor Janet Mills to serve on the Maine Statewide Homeless Council. Prior to her work in nonprofits, she was a lawyer in the United Kingdom (UK)where she focused on the higher education, healthcare, and charities sectors. She holds a BA in Women’s Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz; Postgraduate Diplomas in English Law and Legal Practice from the University of Law (UK) and Staffordshire University (UK); and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management, as well as a Doctorate in Law and Policy, both from Northeastern University, in Boston, Massachusetts. Spencer White and her family enjoy visiting the coast and trails of Maine.

Catherine Kimball, DO, continues her almost 25-year board membership with Inland. She is a retired family medicine physician with Northern Light Primary Care in Waterville. Kimball was a beloved local doctor throughout her nearly 40-year healthcare career; also serving as chief of staff of Inland Hospital for more than 20 years. Kimball, from Waterville, was president of the American Academy of Osteopathy and as a national and local leader, helped strengthen and promote osteopathic care and Inland Hospital for decades. She is an avid knitter.

New Dimensions FCU staff, members raise $25,208 to end hunger

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From left to right, New Dimensions Federal Credit Union CEO Ryan Poulin, Dianne Bourgoin, David Alberico. (contributed photo)

Through dedicated teamwork and community support, New Dimensions Federal Credit Union (NDFCU) raised $25,208.19 for the 2023 Maine Credit Union League’s Campaign for Ending Hunger. Their fundraising efforts will directly support local food banks and pantries serving families struggling with hunger.

NDFCU employees organized a variety of creative fundraising events over several months, including raffles, dress-down days, car washes, and food sales. Their generous members also contributed however they could – whether through larger donations or simply purchasing treats in the branch. Small donations added up through the power of collective action.

“Our staff and members really came together with compassion for our local communities facing food insecurity,” said Ryan Poulin, CEO. “The credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’ was on full display throughout the year. We’re grateful for everyone who donated their time and resources to make a difference.”

NDFCU’s contribution helped the statewide credit union campaign smash its $1 million goal by raising an impressive total of $1.22 million. The credit union remains committed to ongoing fundraising and volunteer efforts to continue supporting Maine communities through challenges with access to nutritious food.

Crommett promoted at Maine State CU

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Amanda Crommett

Stephen Wallace, President and CEO of Maine State Credit Union, has announced the promotion of Amanda Crommett to Senior Vice President, Chief Organizational Developmental Officer. In this newly-created role, Crommett will oversee the training and development team and help to guide the continued growth of credit union.

“Amanda has been with the credit union for 18 years,” said Wallace. “During this time, she has worked in a variety of roles and has been an advocate for the creation of a workplace environment that focuses on the growth and development of all employees at all levels. This is not an easy task and in her new role, she will lead the charge to build the tools and resources that we need to maintain a strong culture as we expand across the state of Maine and have employees in different locations.”

Crommett started her career at Maine State Credit Union in the collections department and then moved to the lending department as a consumer loan officer. She then moved to the sales and service group, where she helped to develop training plans and eventually was selected to build the training and organizational development team, which has now expanded to four.

“I am passionate about helping others become the best versions of themselves,” said Crommett. “I am excited to be asked to take the lead in building a world-class organizational development group. Now, more than ever, it is important for employees to feel empowered and given the tools, training, and opportunity to grow. As Maine State Credit Union expands, and we have employees all over the state of Maine, it is critical for everyone to feel valued and connected. I am humbled to be selected to lead the charge.”

Crommett is a lifelong learner. She attends Southern New Hampshire University where she is studying organization psychology. She is a graduate of the Institute of Organizational Development and is a certified Myers-Briggs practitioner. Crommett lives in Manchester and can be found cheering for her children at their sporting events and exploring the grand state of Maine.

Nikia Levesque appointed vice president of jewelry association

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Nikia Levesque

The Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) announces the appointment of Nikia Levesque as the vice president of the WJA Foundation. With nearly a decade of experience in the jewelry industry, Nikia brings a profound dedication to advancing women’s careers and a proven track record of leadership and innovation.

Susan Chandler, President of the Women’s Jewelry Association and Chief Merchandising Officer for Citizen Watch America, expressed her enthusiasm about Nikia Levesque’s appointment, stating, “Nikia brings a dynamic blend of industry expertise and unwavering commitment to empowering women. Her leadership will undoubtedly propel the WJA Foundation’s mission forward, inspiring countless women to reach new heights in their jewelry careers.”

Nikia’s journey in the profession is marked by excellence in jewelry retail. In high school, Nikia began her jewelry journey at Day’s Jewelers, in Waterville, in the service department. Her expertise spans marketing strategy, brand management, social media marketing, and customer relationship management. In addition to her WJA board appointment, Nikia is the vice president of marketing at Day’s Jewelers, where she demonstrates exceptional leadership in overseeing the company’s brand strategy, market development, and advertising initiatives.

Throughout her Day’s Jewelers tenure, Nikia spearheaded numerous successful projects, including the seamless launch of a new Shopify website, developing a comprehensive brand book, and the coordination of strategic partnerships with brands like Sea Bags. She played a pivotal role in the platform migration and build of the company’s current website. Her ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive results has been instrumental in elevating Day’s Jewelers’ brand presence and achieving key organizational objectives. Levesque was recognized as part of the Jewelers of America, Class of 2023, 20 Under 40.

Levesque says, “I am deeply honored to assume the role of vice president for the Women’s Jewelry Association Foundation Board. This organization has a rich history of empowering women in the jewelry industry, and I am committed to advancing its mission of fostering education, mentorship, and opportunities for women. Having started in this industry at the young age of 16, I am particularly grateful for the invaluable guidance and support I received from women who paved the way before me. Now, as I step into this leadership role, I am eager to give back and continue learning from the remarkable women in our industry. Together with the dedicated members of the board, I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of WJA, as we continue to inspire and support women in our vibrant and dynamic industry.”

Kennebec Valley Council of Governments names Joel Greenwood executive director

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Joel Greenwood, from the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments. (photo by Eric Austin)

The Kennebec Valley Council of Governments (KVCOG) has announced that its board of directors has appointed Joel Greenwood as executive director.

Eric Dyer, KVCOG Board of Director’s President and Town Manager of Readfield, announced “We are excited for the opportunity to bring one of our most talented and experienced employees into the executive director role on a permanent basis. Joel is already well known to our membership and fully aware of KVCOG operations and services, which will result in a near seamless transition for the organization.”

Dyer added, “In his new position Joel’s expertise as a planner will strengthen KVCOG’s essential role in supporting regional and local planning initiatives and provide deliberate and thoughtful leadership.

“I am very happy to be able to step up on a permanent basis to lead KVCOG as its next executive director, ” Greenwood said. “My long tenure and experience in the organization will make the transition as smooth and quick as possible. I’m grateful to continue working with the exceptional team at KVCOG that provides high-quality and valuable services to the municipalities of the Kennebec Valley.”

“As an organization, KVCOG will continue to look for new ways to assist communities across the region.” Greenwood succeeds Matthew Underwood, who tendered his resignation to the board of directors in late January. Joel has been with KVCOG since 2011 and has had more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit work, redevelopment, economic development in rural communities and all aspects of rural and urban planning. His years of experience in all aspects of KVCOG’s operations, existing relationships with its members and as an admired mentor and leader to the KVCOG team translates to a bright future for KVCOG and its member municipalities.

EVENTS: Northern Light Acadia Hospital observes National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

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28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.

February 26 through March 3 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and Northern Light Acadia Hospital is taking the opportunity to raise awareness and share important information about eating disorders with our communities. Did you know…

  • Nine percent of the US population – or 28.8 million Americans – will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lives.
  • Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with the risk of death being highest in anorexia nervosa.
  • Eating disorders are complex medical and mental illnesses. Genetic, biological, environmental, and social factors all can play a role.

A commonly held misconception about eating disorders is that they are a lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are actually serious and often fatal illnesses and can affect anyone, regardless of age, size, gender, race, sexuality, ability, and more. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder.

The good news is early intervention can make all the difference. Getting treatment early in the course of an eating disorder greatly improves the chances of recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t wait to get help.

In honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Acadia Hospital is lighting up in green for the week, turning our rooftop lights to green to bring attention to this important cause.

Through its Eating Disorders Treatment Program, Acadia Hospital offers a number of important resources for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. With individual, family, and group therapy options, nutrition counseling, medication management, and more, Acadia’s trained and dedicated team of experts can help. To learn more, visit our website at northernlighthealth.org/Acadia_EDTP.