For the eleventh year in a row, the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine. The awards program, now in its twentieth year, is operated by the Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group, and Minneapolis-based BridgeTower Media.

This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Maine, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce, and businesses. The 2025 Best Places to Work in Maine list is made up of 143 companies in various size categories. FAME is honored in the medium-sized employer (50-249 employees) category.

“Our associates are the reason we have earned this designation for an eleventh straight year. The FAME team is a dedicated group of professionals who are passionate about the work we do because our mission is to enrich business and educational outcomes through relevant, timely financial support to Maine’s people,” stated Carlos Mello, FAME’s Chief Executive Officer. “We strive to provide our associates with the respect, support, flexibility, and work-life balance to allow them to perform at their highest potential for our customers, the people and businesses of Maine.”

Torrey Sheafe, a digital marketing specialist who joined FAME from the private sector, states: “One of the first things I noticed when I began working at FAME was the agency’s passion for the well-being of Maine people. It’s amazing how different teams come together on a laser-focused goal, and I’m proud to be a part of that. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

FAME believes that being a Best Place to Work creates a positive and productive work environment. The FAME staff is deeply committed to the community and to providing superior customer service to its customers, the people of Maine. Among other things, FAME employees conduct agency-wide fundraising events year-round for eventual donation to community members. During the winter holidays, employees donate gifts for delivery to Augusta area families. Each year, FAME employees consistently comment favorably on the agency’s robust benefits package as one of the reasons they enjoy working there. Some of those benefits include fully paid employee health and dental insurance premiums, generous retirement contributions with no match requirement, and a work-life balance culture that includes paid leave time to support it.

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) recently announced the hiring of a senior manager and the promotion of four employees to key leadership positions within the agency. The hire and promotions are the result of recent strategic planning and resultant organizational restructuring. The individuals are: Meredith Whitfield, Chief Communications Officer; Jonathan Poole, Chief Operations Officer; Sarah Nadeau-Balducci, Chief Risk Officer; Lisa Brown, Chief Human Resources Officer; and Bert Audette, Chief Information Officer.

FAME CEO Carlos Mello stated: “We are excited to introduce our impressive leadership team as part of the new organizational structure established to support the strategic achievement of FAME’s goals. This team will focus on aligning our efforts and driving progress in our strategic plan, while continuing to meet our mission of supporting Mainers in achieving and improving their financial outcomes. The expertise and leadership of this team will help us move forward with clarity and purpose.”

Chief Communications Officer: Meredith Whitfield

Meredith Whitfield joins FAME from her most recent role as Director of Financial Operations and Chief of Staff to the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Colby College. Prior to working at Colby, Meredith was the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and Chief of Staff to the President at the University of Maine, where she led integrated communications initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and institutional reputation strategy. Whitfield’s background also includes senior leadership roles at Western Carolina University and Appalachian State University, as well as public policy experience in the United States Congress.

“I’m honored to join the outstanding team at FAME,” said Whitfield. “It’s a privilege to lead a group of professionals so deeply committed to empowering Maine people and businesses. I look forward to unifying FAME’s voice and bringing even more awareness to the tremendous work being done to support economic growth and affordable pathways to higher education.”

Whitfield holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts from Appalachian State University.

Chief Operations Officer: Jonathan Poole

Jonathan Poole most recently served FAME as the Director of Strategic Growth. He previously worked at the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and served in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer on a Bath Iron Works-built destroyer in the Pacific, as well as on an admiral’s staff.

“FAME is one of many organizations around the state that is striving to grow Maine’s economy and create better outcomes for Maine people. What is unique about FAME that makes it such an exciting place to work is its ability to support both businesses and families to achieve their goals. The fact that I get to work with people that are all motivated to support Maine people is unique and inspiring.”

Poole holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the United States Naval Academy and a Master Degree in International Public Policy and Diplomacy from University College Cork (Ireland).

Chief Risk Officer: Sarah Nadeau-Balducci

Sarah Nadeau-Balducci most recently served as Deputy General Counsel at FAME. Prior to that, she was a Senior District Attorney in New York, where she focused on litigation and long-term investigations including public and political corruption, violent crime, and firearms and drug trafficking. She previously served as vice president of compliance at one of the world’s largest investment banks. Her background also includes leadership roles at national nonprofits working on human rights and education.

“I’m proud to be at FAME and to be a part of the ecosystem supporting Mainers in their educational and professional pursuits. I am a first-generation college graduate and benefitted from a FAME education loan during my undergraduate years. It’s important for Mainers to see FAME as a resource that can be a partner in reaching their aspirations.”

Nadeau-Balducci holds a Juris Doctor Degree from Cardozo School of Law, a Master of Public Administration from CUNY-Baruch College, and a Bachelor of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music.

Chief Human Resources Officer: Lisa Brown

Lisa Brown has served as Director of Human Resources at FAME since February of 2013. Previously, she worked at Cianbro Corporation in human resources, where she was responsible for corporate human resources compliance and benefits administration.

“I am excited and proud to be part of a progressive team of leaders dedicated to advancing the people of Maine. Our employees are a foundational part of FAME’s mission, and by fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, we empower them to effectively serve the needs of Mainers.”

Brown holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Thomas College and a Bachelor of Science with a minor in Human Resources from University of Maine Augusta.

Chief Information Officer: Bert Audette

Bert Audette has served as Chief Information Officer at FAME since September of 2022. Prior to joining FAME, Bert held similar positions at Eastern Maine Community College and at Unity College, where he was responsible for IT strategy and service delivery, and also led transformational technology initiatives.

“I’m excited to establish the enterprise architecture that will carry FAME forward into the future and enable us to continue to deliver on our goals.”

Audette holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science from Thomas College.

CONTACT: BILL NORBERT (FAME)
(207) 620-3540
wnorbert@FAMEmaine.com

Over 600 Maine businesses connected with financial resources

Maine businesses have secured $300,000 in alternative funding, with more applications in process through a new state platform. The Maine Funding Network (MFN) is celebrating one year of providing funding and resource matches, connecting over 600 companies with 1,600 matches to alternative funding sources and business counseling services. With the goal of helping Maine businesses by connecting them with vital funding sources, MFN has made significant strides in its mission to strengthen the state’s economy

Prior to the launch of MFN, business owners didn’t always know where to turn to find these public and non-profit type funding sources. MFN hosts more than 20 public, non-profit, and alternative funding and counseling agencies. Each business taking advantage of the platform receives potential funding options and/or business counseling resources, after which the funding organization reaches out to help. The impressive match-to-business ratio shows that the system is working as designed, creating multiple pathways for Maine business success.

One new Maine entrepreneur, Tyler Menifield, owner of Hoot Pickleball, a Pickleball accessory company, found just the right match on MFN, one he may not have easily found on his own. “It’s been quite a journey getting my business off the ground. I’ve done extensive research to make Hoot Pickleball a success. Thanks to the ease and resources of Maine Funding Network, I was matched with Community Concepts Finance Corporation and was able to secure a loan to help me get Hoot Pickleball up and running.”

Every business that seeks matches and every partner that joins the network represents a potential success story in the making. While many businesses are unaware of the many alternative funding and business counseling services available to them, funders are also able to connect with businesses they may never have encountered, creating new jobs and helping grow the Maine economy.

“The Maine Funding Network has helped make connections between Community Concepts Finance Corporation (CCFC) and businesses across Maine, enabling expansion into new regions. MFN’s user-friendly platform has made it easier for all Maine businesses to access CCFC and other partners’ lending and advising services. This collaboration benefits businesses statewide and strengthens Maine’s economy,” says Natalie Washburn, President, CCFC.

Though just getting started, partner organizations have already facilitated hundreds of thousands of dollars in vital funding for Maine businesses. Many of the businesses really needed no-cost business consulting support as they were just starting out and didn’t have a business plan, which is needed to obtain financing.

“Our team has already made some responsive development to the online platform with user feedback,” said Jonathan Poole, Chief Operating Officer at Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). “We’ve been able to partner with over 20 of the state’s public, non-profit, and alternative funding organizations and they are all working with the businesses to increase their chances of success.” FAME administers and hosts the MFN platform.

Michael Duguay, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, sees great things on MFN’s horizon. “This first year is the foundation for what MFN can become – Maine’s alternative funding hub. It helps Maine businesses find the help they need when they can’t always figure out where to initially look. As the platform grows, so will our ability to create more access to funding, expanding Maine’s economy.”

For businesses that have not yet found their funding matches, visit MaineFundingNetwork.com.

Other public, non-profit, and alternative funding organizations that provide financial solutions and business counseling are invited to join this growing network. Current partner organizations include: Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, Black Owned Maine, Coastal Enterprises, CEI Women’s Enterprises, Community Concepts Finance Corporation, The Cooperative Fund of the Northeast, Eastern Maine Development Corporation, FAME, Four Directions Development Corporation, Greater Portland Council of Governments, Immigrant Welcome Center Greater Portland, Maine Angels, Maine Office of Business Development, Midcoast Council of Governments, Small Business Development Center of Maine, Maine Technology Institute, Maine Venture Fund, Northern Maine Development Commission, City of Portland, SCORE, Southern Maine Finance Agency, Southern Maine Planning & Development Commission, and Sunrise County Economic Council.

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is a quasi-independent state agency whose mission is to enrich business and educational outcomes through relevant, timely financial support to Maine’s people. FAME’s vision is a Maine where all people have access to improved economic outcomes through business growth and education attainment. To learn more about FAME, please visit www.famemaine.com

FAME WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) recently welcomed four new members to its board of directors. They bring a wealth of experience from their personal and professional backgrounds that will add to the already strong and effective board membership. The new members include: the Honorable Joseph Perry of Bangor, State Treasurer; Commissioner Michael Duguay of the Department of Economic and Community Development; Simon Ferland of the University of Maine System; and Michael Foley of Five County Credit Union. Perry and Duguay serve ex officio by virtue of their state offices, while Ferland and Foley were nominated by Governor Janet T. Mills and confirmed by the Legislature.

The Honorable Joseph C. Perry was elected in 2025 by a Joint Convention of the 132nd Maine Legislature to the Office of State Treasurer. Treasurer Perry’s priorities include prudent cash pool management, protecting the earned benefits of Maine public workers and educators, and completing bond sales and public-private partnerships for the common good of all Maine people. A former longtime legislator from Bangor, Perry chaired the Taxation and Transportation Committees. He also owned and operated Joe’s Market in Bangor for many years. He lives in Bangor with his wife and two children. Perry serves ex officio in his capacity as the State Treasurer.

Michael Duguay is the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. He is charged with overseeing more than two dozen experts across several bureaus whose mission is to help communities and businesses prosper through a variety of programs that provide everything from targeted tax relief to community block grants to tourism marketing. Previously, as Vice President for Innovation and Executive Director of the Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College in Waterville, he helped hundreds of entrepreneurs market their products and scale their businesses, and trained thousands of students to succeed in good-paying careers in Maine. Duguay began his economic development career at the Department of Economic and Community Development in 1990. He has enjoyed an extensive career in business, economic, and community development in Maine, including service as Director of Economic Development for the City of Augusta from 1999 to 2012. A native of Fairfield, Duguay is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire. He serves ex officio as the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development.

Simon Ferland is the Director of Data Systems—Student Financial Services, at the University of Maine. He oversees daily and long-term financial aid and student financial operations from a systems and data management perspective. A native of Old Town, Ferland earned his BA and MBA from the University of Maine and is currently a student in the Higher Education Ph.D.  program. He is a nationally certified financial aid administrator and has been active in the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). He lives in Bangor. Ferland occupies a seat requiring knowledge in the field of student financial assistance.

Michael J. Foley, Jr. is the Chief Growth Officer, Senior Vice President of Support Services at Five County Credit Union. He leads strategic initiatives of multiple departments for the credit union, which has assets under management of $380 million and serves over 30,000 members. Foley is an active member of the Maine Credit Union League, including its governmental affairs committee. A native of Cape Elizabeth, he was a longtime coach for the Cape Elizabeth Girls Lacrosse Programs, where he served for nine seasons. His wife and he have a daughter and a son and live in Cape Elizabeth. Foley occupies the seat reserved for a commercial lender.

“We are delighted to welcome Joe, Mike, Simon, and Mike to the FAME Board,” stated Renee Ouellette, FAME Board Chair. “These four outstanding leaders bring unique skills through their strong and varied backgrounds, which will reinforce the excellent work already being done by the Board to enrich business and educational outcomes through relevant, timely financial support to Maine’s people.”

CONTACT: BILL NORBERT (FAME)

(207) 620-3540

wnorbert@FAMEmaine.com

FINANCE AUTHORITY OF MAINE
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE
REVENUE OBLIGATION SECURITIES

Notice is hereby given that the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) intends to issue Revenue Obligation Securities (the “Securities”) pursuant to the Finance Authority of Maine Act (Chapter 110 of Title 10 of the Maine Revised Statutes, as amended) and has issued its Certificate of Approval for the Project to be financed with proceeds of the Securities. Set forth below is a summary of the Certificate including a description of the purpose for which the Securities will be issued, a statement of the maximum principal amount of the Securities and the time within which any proceeding to set aside certain actions of FAME with respect to the Project, plan of finance or the Securities or otherwise obtain relief on grounds of invalidity of such action must be commenced.

PROJECT USER: The Waynflete School (the “School”)

PROJECT LOCATION: 360 Spring Street, Portland, Maine 04102 (the “Campus”)

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: Proceeds of the Securities will be used to (a) finance or refinance costs of facilities owned by the School, including (i) up to $16,520,000 in proceeds to refund the Finance Authority of Maine Education Refunding and Revenue Bonds, Series 2014A and 2014B, proceeds of which financed and refinanced costs of facilities at the School’s campus at 360 Spring Street in the City of Portland, Maine, and to pay the cost of terminating certain existing interest rate swap transactions; and (ii) up to $14,980,000 in proceeds to be used, with other available funds (including capital campaign and institutional funds), for demolition of the existing gymnasium and construction of a new Wellness and Athletic Center located at 360 Spring Street, Portland, Maine, to include a full-size varsity basketball court (including two practice courts when the bleachers are retracted) with bleacher seating for up to 350 spectators, locker rooms, and a variety of wellness, athletic and fitness rooms, or for other capital expenditures on the campus; (b) pay capitalized interest on the Securities; and (c) pay all or part of the costs of issuance of the Securities.

MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF REVENUE OBLIGATION SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED BY FAME TO PROVIDE FINANCING FOR THE PROJECT: $32,000,000

Any action or proceeding in any court to contest the issuance of the Securities, to set aside the Certificate of Approval for the Project or to obtain relief upon the grounds that the Certificate of Approval was improperly issued, was issued for unauthorized purposes or is otherwise invalid for any reason, must be started within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. After the expiration of such a 30-day period of limitation, no right of action or defense founded upon the invalidity of the approval; or contesting any provision or the issuance of the Certificate of Approval or the issuance of the Securities may be started or asserted nor shall the Certificate of Approval or the issuance of Securities be open to question in any court upon any grounds.

This Notice published pursuant to 10 M.R.S.A. Section 1044(1).

Finance Authority of Maine
5 Community Drive
P.O. Box 949
Augusta, ME 04332-0949
(207) 623-3263

Contact Person: Christopher H. Roney, General Counsel

FINANCE AUTHORITY OF MAINE
NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE
REVENUE OBLIGATION SECURITIES

Notice is hereby given that the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) intends to issue Revenue Obligation Securities (the “Securities”) pursuant to the Finance Authority of Maine Act (Chapter 110 of Title 10 of the Maine Revised Statutes, as amended) and has issued its Certificate of Approval for the Project to be financed with proceeds of the Securities. Set forth below is a summary of the Certificate including a description of the purpose for which the Securities will be issued, a statement of the maximum principal amount of the Securities and the time within which any proceeding to set aside certain actions of FAME with respect to the Project, plan of finance or the Securities or otherwise obtain relief on grounds of invalidity of such action must be commenced.

PROJECT USER: Bowdoin College (the “College”)

PROJECT LOCATION: 5600 College Station, Brunswick, ME (the “Campus”)

PURPOSE OF PROJECT: The College intends to use the proceeds of the Securities to (A) refinance existing projects on the Campus including construction and equipping of the hockey arena, Adams Hall, the fitness center, and other building renovations and equipment, and (B) finance new projects on the Campus including but not limited to (i) Sills Hall renovation; (ii) John B. Russwurm House renovation; (iii) sophomore house renovations including Burnett House, Helmreich House, Howell House, MacMillan House, and Reed House; (iv) network infrastructure upgrades; and (v) the Observatory restoration and classroom construction.

MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF REVENUE OBLIGATION SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED BY FAME TO PROVIDE FINANCING FOR THE PROJECT: $50,000,000

Any action or proceeding in any court to contest the issuance of the Securities, to set aside the Certificate of Approval for the Project or to obtain relief upon the grounds that the Certificate of Approval was improperly issued, was issued for unauthorized purposes or is otherwise invalid for any reason, must be started within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.  After the expiration of such a 30-day period of limitation, no right of action or defense founded upon the invalidity of the approval; or contesting any provision or the issuance of the Certificate of Approval or the issuance of the Securities may be started or asserted nor shall the Certificate of Approval or the issuance of Securities be open to question in any court upon any grounds.

This Notice published pursuant to 10 M.R.S.A. Section 1044(1).

Finance Authority of Maine
5 Community Drive
P.O. Box 949
Augusta, ME 04332-0949
(207) 623-3263

Contact Person: Christopher H. Roney, General Counsel

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated with respect thereto (collectively the “Code”) and 10 MRSA §1043, that the Finance Authority of Maine (the “Authority”) will hold a public hearing at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, June 11, 2025, at its offices at 5 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine, regarding the plan of finance for a proposed issuance by the Authority of its revenue bonds in one or more series and in the aggregate principal amount of not more than $32,000,000 (the “Bonds” or the “Revenue Obligation Securities”). The Bonds will constitute qualified 501(c)(3) bonds under Section 145(a) of the Code. The Bonds will finance and refinance the construction, renovation and equipping of educational facilities (as further described below, the “Project”) owned and operated or to be owned and operated by The Waynflete School (the “School”) and located as set forth below, together with capitalized interest on the Bonds and costs of issuing the Bonds. The proceeds of the Bonds will be loaned by the Authority to the School.

The Authority is empowered under the Finance Authority of Maine Act, Chapter 110 of Title 10 of the Maine Revised Statutes, as amended, to issue its Revenue Obligation Securities, the interest on which may be exempt from Federal income taxation to assist in financing projects for the purpose of providing enlarged opportunities for gainful employment by the people of the State of Maine and to insure the preservation and betterment of the economy of the State of Maine.

The Authority has received an application for the issuance of Revenue Obligation Securities from the School seeking approval for a plan of financing. At the public hearing the Authority will consider the application for a Certificate of Approval for the following Project:

PROJECT USER: The Waynflete School

PROJECT LOCATIONS: 360 Spring Street, Portland, Maine 04102

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: The School intends to use the proceeds of the Bonds to (a) finance or refinance costs of facilities owned by the School, including (i) up to $16,520,000 in proceeds to refund the Finance Authority of Maine Education Refunding and Revenue Bonds, Series 2014A and 2014B, proceeds of which financed and refinanced costs of facilities at the School’s campus at 360 Spring Street in the City of Portland, Maine, and to pay the cost of terminating certain existing interest rate swap transactions; and (ii) up to $14,980,000 in proceeds to be used, with other available funds (including capital campaign and institutional funds), for demolition of the existing gymnasium and construction of a new Wellness and Athletic Center located at 360 Spring Street, Portland, Maine, to include a full-size varsity basketball court (including two practice courts when the bleachers are retracted) with bleacher seating for up to 350 spectators, locker rooms, and a variety of wellness, athletic and fitness rooms, or for other capital expenditures on the campus; (b) pay capitalized interest on the Bonds; and (c) pay all or part of the costs of issuance of the Bonds.

MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF REVENUE OBLIGATION SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED BY THE AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE FINANCING AND REFINANCING FOR THE PROJECT: $32,000,000.

Interested members of the public are invited to attend the hearing. Persons attending will have an opportunity to make a brief statement regarding the Project or the financing. Comments are specifically requested on those criteria set forth in 10 MRSA §1043(2), including public benefit and whether the Project could result in a substantial detriment to existing business. Persons planning to attend the hearing or to make a statement at the hearing are requested to notify the Authority in writing no later than June 9, 2025. Members of the public may attend the hearing in person or via ZOOM (ZOOM link available from the Authority upon request).

The hearing may be continued to a subsequent date and time without further notice other than to those who have entered objections or requests for notification of the hearing.

Persons wishing to make written comments are requested to provide the written comments to the Authority before the hearing. Written comments will also be accepted at the hearing.

If additional information is required on the proposed Bonds and the Project, please contact:

Finance Authority of Maine
Christopher H. Roney
5 Community Drive
P.O. Box 949
Augusta, Maine 04332-0949
(207) 620-3520
croney@famemaine.com

FINANCE AUTHORITY OF MAINE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ISSUE

REVENUE OBLIGATION SECURITIES

Notice is hereby given that the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) intends to issue Revenue Obligation Securities (the “Securities”) pursuant to the Finance Authority of Maine Act (Chapter 110 of Title 10 of the Maine Revised Statutes, as amended) and has issued its Certificate of Approval for the Project to be financed with proceeds of the Securities.  Set forth below is a summary of the Certificate including a description of the purpose for which the Securities will be issued, a statement of the maximum principal amount of the Securities and the time within which any proceeding to set aside certain actions of FAME with respect to the Project, plan of finance or the Securities or otherwise obtain relief on grounds of invalidity of such action must be commenced.

MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF REVENUE OBLIGATION SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED BY FAME TO PROVIDE FINANCING FOR THE PROJECT: $60,000,000

            Any action or proceeding in any court to contest the issuance of the Securities, to set aside the Certificate of Approval for the Project or to obtain relief upon the grounds that the Certificate of Approval was improperly issued, was issued for unauthorized purposes or is otherwise invalid for any reason, must be started within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice.  After the expiration of such a 30-day period of limitation, no right of action or defense founded upon the invalidity of the approval; or contesting any provision or the issuance of the Certificate of Approval or the issuance of the Securities may be started or asserted nor shall the Certificate of Approval or the issuance of Securities be open to question in any court upon any grounds.

            This Notice published pursuant to 10 M.R.S.A. Section 1044(1).

Finance Authority of Maine
5 Community Drive
P.O. Box 949
Augusta, ME 04332-0949
(207) 623-3263
Contact Person: Christopher H. Roney, General Counsel