Appointments

Bernstein Shur, a multi-service law firm with offices in Portland and Augusta, recently announced that shareholder Linda D. McGill was appointed to the Maine Board of Bar Examiners. McGill is a member of Bernstein Shur’s Labor and Employment Practice Group and Municipal and Regulatory Practice Group.
The Maine Board of Bar Examiners is responsible for administering and grading a semi-annual bar examination, reviewing the character and fitness of applicants seeking admission to practice law in Maine, and otherwise administering rules for admission to the practice of law in Maine. Appointment to the board is determined by the Maine Supreme Court with confirmation by the governor.

Awards

Good Shepherd Food Bank recently bestowed Mike Dubyak, chairman and CEO of Wright Express, with the 2012 JoAnn Pike Humanitarian Award at a dinner in Portland. The JoAnn Pike Humanitarian Award Dinner also serves as a fundraising event for the food bank. This year, more than $125,000 was raised thanks to the generosity of numerous sponsors including Hannaford Supermarkets, Wright Express, Poland Spring, Wells Fargo, WilmerHale, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Garrand, RBS Citizens, TD Bank, and many more.

Maine Veterans’ Home Scarborough has been recognized as a 2012 recipient of the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving quality care. The award is one of three distinctions possible through the National Quality Award program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. The program honors facilities across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to the quality improvement journey.

Mylan Cohen, of Maine Medical Partners, has been named a recipient of the Distinguished Academic Achievement Award, presented by the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Cohen is Medical Director of Noninvasive Cardiology in the Cardiology Division at Maine Medical Center. The Distinguished Academic Achievement Award recognizes outstanding scientific or academic achievement.

The Institute for Family-Owned Business in partnership with the law firm Verrill Dana, recently announced the 2012 Maine Family Business Awards. Winners include: Hurley Travel Experts, of Portland, First Generation Award; Dean’s Sweets, of Portland, Shep Lee/Community Service Award; Morong Falmouth, of Falmouth, Leon Gorman/Large Business Award; and D. Cole Jewelers, of Portland, Honorable Mention.

The Portland Performing Arts Festival was recently awarded a $40,000 grant from the Portland Economic Development Plan Implementation Program, designed to help local nonprofits and public entities implement the city’s economic development vision and plan. The plan, developed collaboratively by the City of Portland, Portland Community Chamber, Creative Portland Corporation, Portland Development Corporation, and a task force representing a variety of stakeholders in the private sector, was adopted in November by the City Council and provides a roadmap for the city’s future success.

New Hires

Bank of America Enterprise Marketing and Market President Executive Meredith Verdone recently announced that Bill Williamson has been named Maine state president. Williamson has been with the company since joining a predecessor institution in 1981 and will help integrate Bank of America business lines throughout Maine.

BerryDunn, CPAs and Management Consultants, recently hired Kati Sigler as a tax specialist in the firm’s tax consulting and compliance group. Kati is a graduate of Saint Anselm College with a degree in Accounting, and is presently enrolled at Bentley University earning her master’s in taxation. Prior to joining BerryDunn, she was employed by Hartnett & Company.

Designations

Wright-Pierce was recently named on the Engineering News Record 2012 Top 500 list of the most successful engineering and design companies in the country. ENR, a trade publication architecture, engineering and construction industry observer, compiles and publishes annual rankings of the largest engineering and construction firms in the U.S., measured by gross revenues. Wright-Pierce has been named a Top 500 firm for the past three years, earning a higher ranking each year.

Patsy Fowler, assistant director of athletics and activities at Cheverus High  School, has been recognized as a certified athletics administrator by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. Fowler has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process includes a thorough evaluation of a candidate’s educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination.

Pine Tree Society has earned the highest possible rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator for the second consecutive year. Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most used evaluator for nonprofit organizations, honored Pine Tree Society with a four-star rating. Pine Tree Society offers a full range of comprehensive and professional services designed to help Maine children and adults with disabilities lead active, more socially connected lives.

University of Southern Maine recognized six retired faculty members who have been awarded emeritus status at USM’s 132nd Commencement in the Cumberland County Civic Center, Portland. Each year, USM honors retirees of distinction by conferring them emeritus status, in recognitions of significant contributions to the university and community and encourages continued service from these valued colleagues. The honorees include Richard A. Barringer, professor emeritus of community planning and development; Carol Lynn Davis, associate professor emerita in the School of Education and Human Development; Michael S. Hamilton, professor emeritus of political science; and Elizabeth H. Kilbreth, associate research professor emerita in the Muskie School of Public Service.

Chris Paszyc of CBRE|The Boulos Company has been awarded the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation by the CCIM Institute.  The designation is awarded to fewer than 6 percent of the commercial real estate professionals in the country upon successful completion of an advanced analytical curriculum and presentation of a portfolio of qualifying industry experience. The curriculum addresses analysis in financial, market, user decision and investment areas.