What’s your background?
I grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts in a family of teachers and academics. After college and graduate school (Bowdoin and Columbia), I worked for 12 years in commercial banking and bank consulting in Boston and (for about 18 months) in Doha, Qatar. Prior to coming to Maine in 2013, I worked for 18 years in the investment management division at TIAA - a big pension and insurance company in New York City. At TIAA I helped the investment area create a new department focused on community, impact and ESG (Environmental Social Governance) investing strategies. I loved this work and it set the stage for working to start Maine Harvest FCU. I live in Portland with wife and dog while my son lives in Dresden just down the road from Goransons Farm.

Why did you join Maine Harvest FCU?
I’ve loved Maine since college. I’ve also seen the value and power of creating new institutions to support communities and trends. Maine’s small farms and food producers have built and benefited from the creation of institutions like MOFGA, Maine Farmland Trust, and Slow Money Maine. I see my work to create Maine Harvest FCU as a an opportunity to create the next generation of institutions that will keep Maine’s local food economy strong and growing.

What’s in the picture?
The picture is of me and our dog Casco. Casco is a poodle/terrier mix who is always on. Though she isn’t overly fond of the car, she is always up for a good farm visit and has traveled all over Maine as part of my Maine Harvest work.

What's your background?
My Irish agrarian ancestors settled in the northern border communities in VT and NH. I grew up in large family in Connecticut, attending the University of Connecticut to earn a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science. I started my career as a veterinary technician in a large and small animal practice. In the early 80's following my ancestors lead I moved to northern Vermont and began my work with farmers and in finance. I taught Dairy and Farm Business management at Vermont Technical College and assisted in the college’s transition from a Veterinary Assistance program to an accredited Veterinary Technician program. My 25 years of experience in agricultural lending includes introducing diversified agriculture into predominantly dairy loan portfolios for Community Bank NA in Plattsburgh, NY (covering northern NY and VT) and 12 years at Vermont Agricultural Credit Corporation. The finance and veterinary background has allowed me to put down deep roots and build strong relationships within agricultural communities. I have loved Maine since my first childhood swim in the frigid ocean waters of Acadia National Park and Reid State Park.

Why did you join Maine Harvest FCU?
To help create a banking institution exclusively supporting farmers, growers, and food producers is a once in a lifetime opportunity. All economies, not just agriculture, are strengthened by breaking bread, with local food, in local communities. I look forward to working together with the incredibly talented team at Maine Harvest Federal Credit Union, and all the great folk at MOFGA and Maine Farm Land Trust. For 32 years I have owned and operated Blue Haven Farm in Bethel, Vermont. The farm provided a place for me to gain experience in forestry, train and work oxen, and for many years raise my family's beef, pork and poultry. The 64 acres of prime woodland has been under continuous forest management for over 45 years ( including 10 years primarily with draft animals) as well as in Vermont's Current Use Program since its inception in 1978. Picture-

What's in the picture?
The picture is my dog Mia and I at Point au Roche Park in Beekmantown, NY. Mia is always up for an adventure, especially if it involves something odoriferous to roll in. Together we have traveled to many farms and many miles throughout New England, New York and the Canadian Maritimes.