Topsham woman named director of Maine Sierra Club

Following a nationwide search, the Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club has appointed a Topsham woman as its new director.

Alice Elliott, who has a background in higher education, will spearhead the environmental advocacy and education efforts of the chapter’s volunteers. Prior to joining the Sierra Club, Elliott served as the associate director of Community Engagement at Colby College. She also worked at Unity College and the Maine Campus Compact, where she developed and led civic engagement and community service-learning programs. 

“I am passionate about protecting Maine’s environment and addressing the devastating effects of climate change,” said Elliot. “And I’m excited to get to work for such a prestigious and effective organization.”

“We’re exceptionally pleased to have Alice take on this management role,” said Tony Donovan, chairman of Sierra Club Maine Executive Committee. “Following a nationwide search, we found the right person right here in Maine to support our wide-ranging efforts in countering climate disruptions, protecting Maine’s woods and waters, and engaging in environmental justice for all.”

A Maine native, Elliott is an avid gardener and birder and enjoys camping in the state’s parks and wilderness areas.

The Maine Chapter, celebrating its 25th year in 2018, is a volunteer-run grassroots organization that advocates for environmental protection and promotes efforts to stem global warming and climate disruption.

Hires, promotions, appointments

Maine Life Real Estate Co. of Scarborough has announced that Jason D. Dye has joined the company’s sales team. Dye grew up in Brunswick and has been an agent since 2001.

Bernstein Shur welcomed Andrea J. Shaw of Gorham as a shareholder in the firm’s Portland law office. Shaw will lead a new consumer finance and bank regulatory practice, and is also expected to lead the firm’s data security and privacy team.

Recognition

Maine writer and artist Charlotte Agell of Brunswick has been signed by Yarmouth-based Islandport Press, which will release her children’s board book “Mud, Sand, and Snow” in the spring. Agell is the author and illustrator of 12 books for children and young adults. 

Granted

Two local organizations were recipients of grants awarded by The Sadie and Harry Davis Foundation to 10 Maine entities through its Children’s Health Small Grants Program. Environmental Health Strategy Center of Portland received $13,000 to help address the 16.5 percent of Maine residential wells which exceed safe levels of natural-occurring arsenic. Furniture Friends of Westbrook was granted $8,500 for Beds for Everyone to increase the number of beds and cribs provided at no cost to households in need.

Save the date

Mainebiz will recognize 10 years of Women in Leadership at the 2018 Women to Watch Reception on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Over the past decade, Mainebiz has honored 46 women, including this year’s honorees: Dava Davin, founder and president/CEO of Portside Real Estate Group; Kristina Egan, executive director of the Greater Portland Council of Governments; Joan Fortin, shareholder, board member and director of attorney recruiting at Bernstein Shur; and Clayton Spencer, president of Bates College. The reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. at the Westin Harborview Hotel in Portland. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased through www.mainebiz.biz/WTW.  

Portland’s independent business community will be celebrated at this year’s Indie Biz Awards from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4 at Portland House of Music and Events. Winners of not only the 2018 Indie Biz Awards will be announced, but 10 inaugural members of the Indie Biz Hall of Fame as well. The event will include local food and brews, a silent auction and raffle, and live music from Saved and Sound. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through https://bit.ly/2OlUHJl.

Shaw

Elliott

Jordan Parks, right, is the new operations manager at SailMaine and has replaced Kim Crabill, left. Parks has worked for Rippleffect as a wilderness/sea kayak guide and outdoor educator. She spent last summer in Belize as the international director for Global Leadership Adventures, where she worked with high school students.