MaineShare Welcome Two New Board Members
MaineShare’s Governance committee has been focusing on ensuring that our by-laws are up to date and aligned with the needs of the organization and that our board is made up of the right mix of people.
Our goal is to build MaineShare to 15 board members with 8 seats reserved for member groups. We see a more robust representation on the board by member groups as mission critical for the future success for MaineShare.
After asking for nominations from the membership, two candidates asked to be considered by the Governance committee. After reviewing both candidates, we presented both candidates to the membership at our October 29th Virtual Annual Meeting. Both were accepted enthusiastically by the membership.
We are thrilled to welcome our two newest board members.
Ryan Martin, Executive Director of Viles Arboretum.
Ryan brings to us the perspective of a newer leader in a member group and we have loved working with him in his role at Viles and appreciate his energy and insights. Ryan’s desire to to serve on the board stems from his belief that MaineShare is extremely valuable to small organizations like his. Additionally, he wants to learn and contribute to MaineShare’s success.
Ryan is a graduate of Green Mountain College with a master’s degree in Sustainable Food systems and the University of Maine at Machias with a degree in Environmental Studies. Among other pursuits, Ryan has worked as a Science Teacher with MidCoast School of Technology and Kennebec County Community College and as a Program Director for the Maine Trust for Education in Conservation and the Town of Islesboro.
Robinson “Robin” Drummond, Board Member of GLSEN. 
Robin brings to us the perspective of a long-term board member of a MaineShare member group and is passionate about MaineShare’s mission. In addition to valuing the MS mission, he wants to be on the board because he admires that MaineShare is “homespun” and he grew up in Maine and is “hopelessly committed” to a life here.
Robin is currently a senior at Bates College, runs a Bed & Breakfast, and has launched a design and life-style business, Atlantic Seaboard, in the Portland area. His experience and interests include: work with an international car rental company, a major furniture retailer, a large resort; he loves interior and furniture design.
MaineShare is committed to building a representative board and we are doing our own homework on issues related to board governance and diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are excited to welcome Ryan and Robin to this work!
In this edition of our monthly newsletter, we are pleased to share with you inspiration, events (VegFest!), and updates from our member groups and from MaineShare.