two j

2J - Funders and the Funded – A Symbiotic Relationship

Moderator:
    
Janet Henry, President, Maine Philanthropy Center
    
Janet Henry is a native of Arkansas, escaping in 1970 to launch her trek to Maine with stops in Kentucky, Tennessee & Ohio. She began her philanthropy career at a community foundation in Dayton, Ohio, one of the oldest and largest in the country. Her 13 years in Maine have included work with the University of Maine Foundation as a planned giving officer, the establishment of the Portland office of the statewide Maine Community Foundation and capital campaign work for the University of New England. A resident of Kennebunkport, Janet has served on the Brick Store Museum Board of Directors and the Maine Initiatives Advisory Committee.  In 2001, she became the President of the Maine Philanthropy Center in Portland, Maine, an organization she helped to create while at the Maine Community Foundation.

Speakers:
    
Valarie Flanders, Assistant to the State Director, U. S. Department of Agriculture
    
Valarie Flanders started her career with Rural Development in 1984 and has worked in the delivery of most programs offered by the Agency, including the Multi-family Housing (rental) program, Community Facility, Rural Utility, Business and Industry and Renewable Energy Programs.   Mrs. Flanders has also served on several National boards and committees in support and promotion of policy and regulatory oversight of the many loan and grant programs offered by Rural Development.  She is Past President of the National Association of Credit Specialists of Rural Development and currently holds the position of Assistant to the State Director for Rural Development in Maine.  Valarie resides in Plymouth with her husband of 25 years where they enjoy spending time with their family and friends.

Tammy Knight, Development Program Manager, Department of Economic and Community Development    

Tammy Knight - As a Development Program Manager with the DECD Office of Community Development Tammy’s program focus is on CDBG funded projects for Public Facilities, Public Service, and Community Planning Grants along with administering funds allocated for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.  Prior to joining DECD in 2000, Tammy worked as Marketing Manager and Economic Development Assistant at Kennebec Valley Council of Governments. 

Maryalice Crofton, Executive Director Maine Commission for Community Service/Americorps

Maryalice Crofton joined the Commission staff on April 1, 1995 and served as Grant Program Officer until she was appointed Director in May 1996. Maryalice's responsibilities include supporting the 25 citizen volunteers who serve as Commissioners, serving as liaison to external partners, and representing the Commission on regional and national initiatives.  She  spent 15 years in the private, nonprofit sector as executive director of social service agencies.  All delivered services to clients through volunteer staff.  During her career, Maryalice has been a national trainer for two federal agencies: first conducting volunteer program design and management training and, 10 years later, training community nonprofits to use federal eGovernment platforms for grant management.  A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Maryalice came to Maine in order to pursue her graduate degree in counseling which she earned from Univ. of Maine in 1984.  She holds a bachelors degree in Consumer and Family Services from St. Joseph College in West Hartford Ct.

Ariana McBride, Senior Associate, Northeast Projects, Orton Family Foundation

Ariana McBride joined the Foundation in 2008, bringing years of experience in economic and community planning in the Northeast region. Ariana worked for the Rhode Island Economic Policy Council from 2004-2008, where she was the staff lead on several initiatives focused on developing a place-centered approach to economic development. Ariana joined the Foundation in 2008, bringing years of experience in economic and community planning in the Northeast region. Ariana worked for the Rhode Island Economic Policy Council from 2004-2008, where she was the staff lead on several initiatives focused on developing a place-centered approach to economic development. Her project work included the Borderlands Project in Connecticut and Rhode Island, in which the Foundation is a partner.

Pam Cleghorn, Senior Program Officer, Maine Community Foundation

Pamela Cleghorn lived for about twenty years in the Boston area. She worked at Boston University recruiting students throughout the country and then in human resources at two high tech companies.  Feeling the need for a less hectic lifestyle, and to lessen the travel between Boston and her home on Islesboro, she moved to Portland.  Pam joined MaineCF (Portland office) in June 1999 and is currently a senior program officer with responsibilities for working with nonprofit organizations, overseeing the grant review process for many competitive funds, and works regularly with donors to the foundation. She also works closely with the board as assistant secretary.  Although not sure her life has become less hectic, she is doing more of the activities she loves to do.  In her “spare time” she serves on the boards of the LARK Society for Chamber Music and Portland Ballet, ushers for Portland Concert Association, Portland Symphony Orchestra and Portland Stage Company, and loves to partake in many outdoor activities.