2026 Speakers

Barton Seaver is a globally recognized leader at the intersection of culinary innovation, sustainability, and public health. From his early days as an award-winning chef in Washington, DC, to his current work shaping the future of food systems, Barton has consistently reimagined the role of seafood on our plates and in our lives. As executive chef at acclaimed restaurants like Hook, he pioneered a new model for sustainable dining, featuring nearly 100 different seafood species in a single year. His efforts earned national acclaim, including being named Esquire’s Chef of the Year in 2009, and set a standard for how culinary excellence and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Stepping beyond the kitchen, Barton expanded his impact on a global scale. As a National Geographic Explorer, U.S. Culinary Ambassador, Sustainability Fellow at the New England Aquarium, and Director of the Sustainable Seafood and Health Initiative at Harvard, he brought a chef’s perspective to the world’s most pressing environmental and health challenges. These roles deepened his belief in seafood not just as a meal, but as a medium for change. Today, his work has evolved into something broader: Seafood That Matters. While the seafood industry still faces challenges, Barton’s focus is now on the many producers, practices, and innovations that are getting it right. He sees seafood as a powerful lever—for addressing climate change, supporting women’s economic empowerment, improving brain health, and building more resilient food systems. Central to Barton’s philosophy is the idea that the health of our oceans is inseparable from human wellbeing. Every choice we make at the dinner table, he argues, has the potential to shape a healthier, more sustainable world. Through consulting, speaking, and education—including the founding of the Seafood Literacy program—he continues to advocate for a future where food is both nourishment and a tool for transformation. Now based in coastal Maine, just steps from a working waterfront, Barton remains deeply connected to the ocean that has long inspired his work. Whether in a classroom, a conference hall, or a kitchen, he reminds us that seafood is more than just a culinary delight—it’s a catalyst for restoring balance between people, planet, and plate.

As Chief AI Officer and SVP of Innovation at Brand USA, Janette spearheads AI-driven strategies to enhance tourism marketing, streamline internal operations, and foster innovation for the benefit of both Brand USA and the broader U.S. travel industry. She joined Brand USA from New York City Tourism + Conventions, where she oversaw the organization’s paid media strategy, programs and media insights to drive visitation across the five boroughs. Prior to joining NYC Tourism, she spent more than two decades marketing Broadway at organizations such as Broadway.com and AKA NYC.

Risteen Bahr brings more than four decades of leadership in marketing, public relations, communications, business development, and nonprofit management. She has guided major initiatives across Maine’s tourism, cultural, and business sectors, including key roles with Bangor International Airport, Bay Ferries Ltd., and the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. She is recognized for strategic vision, effective project management, and community impact. A recipient of multiple community and statewide tourism and service awards including the Maine Office of Tourism Governor’s Award for Commitment to Community. Bahr holds a B.A. in History from the University of Maine and a Professional Certification in Museum Studies from Northwestern University.

Nicki Bean worked in hotels, resorts, restaurants, corporate hotel chains, sales and marketing for 20 years. She studied Economic Development & Tourism Management at Boston University. She began her career at an international travel company, progressed to corporate hotel chains, and has also worked and volunteered for local Chambers of Commerce and tourism boards in New England (including Portsmouth, Kennebunkport, and The Maine Beaches board of directors). Her passion is destination marketing, or collaborating to promote an area as a great place for people to visit year-round (and bring more economic benefits, businesses and jobs to that area). Now she teaches high school students all about working in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry. Students in her program at BRCOT get to partake in numerous field trips to local businesses, job shadows at The Lincoln Hotel, and a restaurant concept competition.

Tony Cameron is the CEO of the Maine Tourism Association. Tony started this role in March of 2020, after serving nearly five years as the Director of Marketing & Communications. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Director of Marketing and Membership Sales for the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He has over 17 years of destination marketing and association management experience. Before his career in tourism, Tony worked for 3 years in the front office for the Portland Sea Dogs. Tony lives in his hometown of Brunswick and is a proud graduate of Saint Joseph’s College of Maine with a degree in Marketing.

The 2026 season will be Cameron's 30th with the Portland Sea Dogs. The Maine native joined the organization as a part-time seasonal employee in 1996 and was hired full-time in January 1999 as the Sea Dogs Ticket Office Manager. In 2005, he was named the Public Relations Director of the Year for all Minor League Sports by MinorLeagueNews.com. Among Cameron’s duties, he oversees all of the club’s marketing and promotional efforts. Additionally, he is responsible for the customer service training of the Sea Dogs’ game day staff. Outside of the Sea Dogs, he volunteers for STRIVE, where he serves on the "Steering Committee".

Jacki Ewing opened the Maine State Visitor Information Center inside the brand new Acadia Gateway Center in Trenton last year. The new Center in Trenton is the only seasonal State Visitor Center, opening in May for its first full season, with Jacki as its Manager. Jacki has a rich background in people-focused roles across both the corporate and entrepreneurial environments, with four decades of experience in sales and leadership in business and non-profit organizations. An accomplished entrepreneur, Jacki founded three ventures: two in retail and one in hospitality and tourism. Outside of work, she is an avid traveler, a natural connector of people, a proud wife and mother, and fur momma to her beloved French Bulldogs, Maeve and Blue Spruce. A native New Englander, she and her husband call Mount Desert Island their home.

Cecil Gardner joined Sunrise County Economic Council in May of 2023 after completing an internship with the Maine Office of Tourism and his Masters of Business Administration at the University of Maine. He finished his bachelor’s in environmental sustainability and sociology in 2010 from Loyola University in Chicago where he also focused on jazz drumming. Prior to joining SCEC, Cecil helped to launch two Greater Portland music venues, performed door-to-door sales across Southern Maine with Maine Green Power and Efficiency Maine, and organized some of the most successful electronic music events in Portland. He currently lives on Deer Isle with his girlfriend where they hike, cook, explore, and frequent businesses across the region. Fun fact: Cecil has played the drum kit for 26 years.

After working at Funtown Splashtown USA for over 20 years, Ed Hodgdon started Hodgdon Consulting, LLC to help small businesses realize their potential. During his time at Funtown Splashtown USA, he worked his way up from seasonal cashier to Marketing and IT Manager, overseeing the park's advertising budget, marketing initiatives, media relations, special and group events, and IT infrastructure. Ed also is also the Secretary of NEAAPA - The Northeast's Entertainment Association, which is the premier regional trade association for the attractions industry. NEAAPA covers the six New England states and New York State. He has served in this role since 2011. Ed also serves on the Board of Directors for the Maine Beaches Association, the regional tourism group for the Southern Maine Beaches area. When Ed is not working, you can find him visiting theme parks and spending time with his family. Ed resides in Scarborough with his husband, Martin.

Anne Krieg is the Director of Community & Economic Development for the city of Bangor. She started there in 2019 as the City Planner and was promoted to Director in 2023. She previously worked in planning & development with a focus on tourism for the towns of Bridgton and Bar Harbor. Prior to moving to Maine in 2002, she worked for the towns of Reading and Danvers, and also worked in the private sector in campus planning, and, development site planning and permitting in the Boston area. Anne has been a speaker at many conventions on topics ranging from comprehensive planning to tourism development and affordable housing. Anne is a graduate of the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University and remains a huge SU fan.

Steve Lyons became Director of the Maine Film Office in 2024 after 25 years marketing the state with the Maine Office of Tourism, including seven years as Director of Tourism. In that role, he oversaw the Maine Film Office, a division within the Office of Tourism, Outdoor Recreation & Film. He now focuses exclusively on promoting Maine as a location for visual media productions. Steve’s passion for film began while accompanying his father to an American Film Market Location Expo and reading scripts brought home from the Vermont tourism office, which also managed the film office. One of his earliest memories is a script for “I Am the Cheese,” filmed in 1983 in his hometown of Montpelier and other Vermont locations. During college and beyond, he saw hundreds of films and even kept a running list that numbered in the hundreds. In 2014, Steve volunteered with the Emerge Film Festival in Lewiston and joined its board in 2015, helping bring filmmakers from around the world to Lewiston and Auburn. During the past two years at the Maine Film Office, Steve has reinstated the Maine Film Commission, drafted a recommendation for a more competitive film incentive in Maine and moved the film incentive application process online, all while responding to inquiries from filmmakers considering shooting in the state. He is currently collaborating with the Maine Film Association on an economic assessment of Maine’s media production industry and preparing to launch a pilot program designed to demonstrate the economic benefit of visual media production to the state. He is a member of FilmUSA, a non-profit organization representing film commissioners in the U.S., and the Association of Film Commissioner’s International, where he recently joined the Creative Economy and Policy Committee. When he’s not working or attending a film festival, he can be found hiking, biking, paddling, snowshoeing, skiing and sightseeing throughout Maine and beyond.

In his role with the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, Jeff advances initiatives that preserve, promote and protect Maine’s extraordinary natural landscapes while driving sustainable growth in the state’s outdoor recreation economy. He works closely with public and private partners to position Maine as a national leader in four-season outdoor recreation and to ensure the benefits of this thriving sector reach communities statewide. A Registered Maine Guide since his early twenties, Jeff has long turned his passion for the outdoors into purpose: promoting the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, managing Lake George Regional Park and serving in the Maine House of Representatives. From mountaintops to Maine’s rivers, Jeff loves exploring all regions of the state with his family.

Nigel Osborne is the Manger of the Maine State Visitor Information Center in Yarmouth. For over the past 5 years, he has also served as the Regional Partner Manager for the Maine Tourism Association, where he works closely with tourism businesses across the state to strengthen partnerships and support meaningful visitor experiences. With more than 40 years of leadership experience in the global travel and hospitality industry, Nigel has held senior executive roles with companies including Insight Vacations, Holland America Line, and Virgin Vacations. Today, he brings his deep industry knowledge home to Maine—connecting local businesses, communities, and travelers while helping both visitors and residents discover the state’s most memorable and lesser-known experiences. He moved to Maine with his family in 2002.

As Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Portland and Grant Manager for Greater Portland & Casco Bay, Dave leads brand strategy and tourism promotion with a focus on inclusive, human-centric storytelling. By pairing creative vision with high-performance digital tactics, he aims to drive year-round economic impact while showcasing the region's diverse culture and vibrant hospitality community.

Tracey Perry is the Project Lead for the Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Initiative (WCTI), an effort to advance authentic Wabanaki cultural representation in Maine's visitor economy centering Indigenous sovereignty, storytelling, and economic self-determination. In this role, she works in partnership with Four Directions Development Corporation and the Maine Office of Tourism and to develop resources, relationships, and infrastructure that support Wabanaki-led cultural tourism. Tracey also serves as Initiative Director for the Katahdin Collaborative, where she facilitates cross-sector partnerships among organizations, community members, nonprofits, municipalities, and businesses to strengthen the region's outdoor and cultural economy. A descendant of the Penobscot people, Tracey first came to know the Katahdin region in her youth and later as a student at the University of Maine. Those experiences deepened her understanding of the connections between cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and sustainable economic development. Having lived across the United States and internationally, she brings a broad perspective to regional work while remaining deeply rooted in place. Tracey believes communities thrive when they honor both the landscape and the peoples who have called it home for generations. She and her husband have raised four sons and share their home with two rescued Rottweilers.

Whitney Raymond is Vice President at Marshall Communications, a Maine-based marketing and public relations agency, where she has worked since 2011. Marshall Communications manages media relations and public relations on behalf of the Maine Office of Tourism, helping share the state’s story with audiences nationwide and beyond. Whitney focuses on integrated communications for tourism marketing, with an emphasis on media relations, managing public relations efforts and overseeing organic social media strategy. In her work with the Maine Office of Tourism, she helps share the state’s story through earned media and digital touchpoints while aligning with Maine’s brand pillars and guidelines. She collaborates closely with agency partners and members of the tourism industry to ensure storytelling across platforms reflects a consistent and authentic voice for Maine. Whitney holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management and a Master of Business Administration from Thomas College.

A second generation hotelier, Cornelius Russell Sr. began his career in 1987 with Ocean Properties Hotels Resorts & Affiliates and has held management positions at multiple hotels in Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado, Arizona and Florida. He has been the General Manager at the Samoset Resort since 1999 where he has overseen numerous multi-million-dollar capital improvement projects, including the golf course, guest room and public space renovations and construction of La Bella Vita Ristorante, Enoteca wine bar, The Spa and Luxury guest cottages. Russell’s service on several boards of directors includes Past Presidency of the Maine Innkeeper’s Association, American Hotel & Lodging Association Resort Committee, Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce, New England Inns and Resorts Association, Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Penobscot Bay Hospital Board of Trustees, and First National Bank. He was awarded the 2010 Innkeeper of the Year by the Maine Innkeepers Association and the 2016 Community Person of the Year by the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Juliet reside in Rockport, Maine and have a daughter Jacqueline and son Connor. Connie was born in Bangor and attended Orono High School and the University of Maine graduating with a B.S. degree in Resource Economics.

Alexandria Sukeforth is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity and outdoor accessibility. As a neurodivergent individual and mother to a child with Autism, her professional mission is deeply informed by personal experience. Alex is a Certified Direct Support Professional, works as a 1-on-1 support aide for a child with Autism in a forest school setting, and is the Co-Founder of Outdoor Access Solutions. She has also completed extensive coursework on neurodiversity and actively participates in organizations like the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) Changemakers Network.

Juan Vargas is the Account Director on the Consulting team at Miles Partnership, where he leads inclusive marketing and audience diversification strategies for destinations across the U.S., including the Maine Office of Tourism. With a background in community development, Juan focuses on building welcoming, community-centered pathways that connect diverse travelers and local residents to destinations and their outdoors. He specializes in helping destinations understand shifting demographics, inclusive visitor behaviors, and the growing participation of women, LGBTQ+, and multicultural audiences in outdoor recreation. His work blends partnerships, creator programs, and inclusive marketing strategy with authentic storytelling to expand access, representation, and economic impact. Juan believes a resilient outdoor economy is one that gives everyone the opportunity to feel they belong.

As Social Inclusion Manager at Destinations International, Ava leads the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that advance Destinations International’s Social Impact mandate: empowering destination organizations to build welcoming, sustainable, and community-centered visitor economies. With over a decade of experience in member and partner engagement, including seven years in the tech industry advancing workplace inclusion and employee engagement, Ava brings expertise and empathy to her work. She spent three years in convention services at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, where she developed a passion for regenerative tourism, cultural vitality and community impact.

Nicole Porter joined the U.S. Travel Association in 2021 and serves as Vice President of Political Affairs, where she leads the development and execution of all grassroots and political engagement strategies. In this role, she drives nationwide advocacy efforts that mobilize industry voices to bolster U.S. Travel’s advocacy efforts. Nicole oversees TravelPAC and the Travel Action Network, two cornerstone programs that educate policymakers on the economic, social and diplomatic importance of travel. Under her leadership, U.S. Travel has raised more than $2 million since 2021 to support the industry’s political engagement in Washington. She also leads major national advocacy initiatives, including Travel Works, U.S. Travel’s cross-country tour showcasing travel’s $2.9 trillion economic impact and Destination Capitol Hill, the industry’s premier legislative fly-in that welcomes nearly 500 industry advocates to Washington each year. Prior to joining U.S. Travel, Nicole spent nearly seven years at the National Retail Federation (NRF) where she was Senior Director, Political Affairs & Advocacy. In this role she served as a key political strategist, responsible for leading and developing advocacy and grassroots programs supporting NRF’s public policy goals, also overseeing NRF’s fundraising for political programs. Prior to NRF, Nicole was a campaign fundraiser for over a decade working with clients ranging from presidential, federal and statewide candidates.

Jane Anderson is the Director of Visitor Services for the Maine Tourism Association. She oversees the Association's visitor-facing activities, including the operation of the eight Maine State Visitor Information Centers, where MTA staff create a 5-star welcome and inspire visitors to explore more of Maine. Jane has been with the Maine Tourism Association for five years, joining the team after 25 years in sales and marketing leadership. In her free time she enjoys exploring Maine's outdoors and capturing photos of local wildlife.

Sarah Bayliss is the Visitor Information Center Manager in Calais, Maine, and the Regional Partnership Manager for Downeast & Acadia. As a USTA Certified Travel Counselor, she brings a front-line perspective to visitor engagement. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration and promoting authentic experiences throughout Downeast Maine. In her free time, she enjoys exploring and hiking the Bold Coast of Maine.

Mark is a Naretiv partner. He spearheads the words department at Naretiv, taking the lead helping companies articulate their story in text formats, including slogans, straplines, mission statements, and general descriptions. He also helps oversee strategic brand management and creative development. Before Naretiv, Mark was a journalist for 20 years in Washington, DC.

Jason Clay is the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery and Anglers Restaurants. A hands-on leader with deep roots in Maine’s hospitality industry, Jason oversees all aspects of operations, leadership development, marketing, and strategic growth across the company’s family of restaurants. Before taking the helm, Jason served as Governor’s Director of Operations, where he led initiatives in training and leadership development, menu innovation, and the adoption of new technologies. Prior to rejoining the Governor’s team in 2011, he gained valuable experience in the Boston area working for a quick-service restaurant concept and in food service at Harvard Business School. A native of the Bangor region and originally from Lincoln, Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and an MBA from Northeastern University. He is a proud graduate of the Bangor Region Leadership Institute (Class of 2013), currently serves as Chair-Elect of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and sits on the Old Town Development LLC economic development board. Jason lives in Brewer, Maine, with his wife Jolene, their daughter Harper, and their dogs Marv and Maggie.

Steve has been working with the family business since age 8. He started washing dishes and worked virtually every department prior to assuming my current position. While Steve oversees all aspects of the restaurant, his emphasis is in customer service and he is committed to providing an enjoyable dining experience anytime a customer steps on board. Steve remains active in the community, serving on various boards and committees including serving on the board of the HospitalityMaine. A 1978 graduate of Deering High School, he resides in Portland with my wife Marge. When not at the restaurant, Steve enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, skiing, riding his motorcycle and boating with family and friends.

Kathryn Ference is the Director of Workforce Development for the Maine Tourism Association, a non-profit trade association that represents the hospitality and tourism industry in Maine. She works with its nearly 1200 member businesses in lodging, culinary, outdoor recreation, retail, and attractions to find creative ways to address workforce shortages and staffing challenges. Before coming to the Maine Tourism Association, Kathryn graduated from George Washington University and worked in the staffing and human resources industry. She is passionate about inspiring young people to pursue careers in the hospitality and tourism industry and loves connecting talent with great businesses in Maine.

Julie is an Ambassador for the International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) and former Deputy Director of the National Travel & Tourism Office at the U.S. Department of Commerce. With deep experience at the intersection of federal policy and the travel industry, Julie brings a comprehensive understanding of the national tourism policy ecosystem and the mechanisms that enable effective public–private collaboration.

Noah Kleiner is the owner and founder of Equinox Guiding Service, an AMGA-accredited rock and ice climbing company based in Camden, Maine. With over 20 years of experience in the climbing industry, Noah holds multiple certifications through the American Mountain Guides Association, including Multi-Pitch Instructor, Ice Instructor, and Climbing Wall Instructor Provider. He is also a certified Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Provider, making him one of the few professionals in Maine qualified to deliver nationally recognized guide training programs. Noah has partnered with the Midcoast School of Technology (MCST) to integrate professional guiding education into high school curricula, creating one of the first CTE-based climbing programs in the country. His work focuses on developing Maine’s next generation of outdoor professionals through mentorship, skill-building, and experiential education—helping young people find meaningful careers in outdoor recreation while supporting the state’s growing adventure tourism economy.

Hanna has been a part of the account service team with Miles Partnership for four years working closely with the Maine Office of Tourism on paid media campaigns, creative and content development, and overall strategy. She’s helped support the MOT team in developing and launching the evolved Look Out for ME campaign and toolkit, bringing the Leave No Trace principles to Maine and encouraging travelers to be a good guest.

Jean Ginn Marvin is a Maine-based hospitality leader, public servant, and community advocate with decades of experience in business, policy, and nonprofit leadership. A native of Portland, she is a graduate of Cape Elizabeth High School and Interlochen Arts Academy, where she earned a degree in trombone performance. Jean continued her education at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School, earning dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Policy Studies, and later completed a Master of Public Policy at the University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School. She is also a graduate of the inaugural classes of both the Community Leadership Institute (CLI) and the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL). Jean currently serves on the Executive Board of the Maine Community College System and has held numerous leadership roles across the region. She is the Past Chair of Hospitality Maine, New England Inns & Resorts Association, the Portland Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustees, the Portland Conservatory of Music Board of Trustees, and the Maine Community College System Board. She also serves on the American Hotel & Lodging Association Resort Committee. Her public service includes serving as a Cape Elizabeth Town Councilor and as a Representative in the Maine State Legislature, along with participation on several local commissions. Jean has spent the past 28 years as Innkeeper of the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, a family-owned property known for its commitment to hospitality and community. Under her leadership, the Nonantum has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine seven times and received the Governor’s Award for Economic Development for its role in launching Kennebunkport’s signature “Fire & Ice” event. Jean was named Maine Innkeeper of the Year in 2011 and received the Innkeeper’s Chair Award in 2017 for her leadership in unifying Maine’s hospitality industry. Jean and her husband, Bob, have been married for 42 years and are the proud parents of three children, three in-law children, and nine grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, yoga, pickleball, travel, and music. A lifelong musician, she plays euphonium in the Casco Bay Concert Band and leads fundraising efforts that support the Casco Bay Wind Symphony’s annual Fourth of July concert on Portland’s Eastern Promenade. She has also completed seventeen triathlons.

Ari is the Design Lead & a Partner at Naretiv. He specialize in the application of design thinking to complicated corporate challenges. That means that Ari create iconic logos, ads, and all design elements of brands. He LOVES to make milestone reports that combine design, illustration, and data visualization. Ari is an expert at taking complex information and translating into smart, easy-to-understand corporate communications. He has experience working with businesses and organizations of all sizes, from local Maine non-profits changing his community to global corporations changing the world.

Carolann was named the first director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation in 2018. As of June 1st, she will take on the role of the Director of Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Film for Maine. A graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, her career has included time as a whitewater guide, outdoor resort operations manager, restaurant chef/owner, and from 2010-2016 the Director of the Maine Office of Tourism. Carolann is a board and/or advisory committee member with the Maine Sports Commission, Maine Trails Coalition, University of Southern Maine’s Tourism & Hospitality Program, University of Maine Outdoor Leadership Program and is currently co-chair of the Confluence of States. She is a ski, snowmobile, hiking and paddling enthusiast, working on her fishing and hunting skills, and an avid traveler.

Jacob works collaboratively to tell the story of Maine’s Aroostook County and has the best job in the world. As the Tourism Developer for Northern Maine Development Commission, his work is to match local funding to state and federal grant programs to increase destination awareness, capacity, and develop the visitor experience. He believes tremendous growth is happening right now in visitation to rural Maine and that digital tools for mapping, storytelling, and trip planning are shaping a new generation of first-time visitors to experience The County. The region has bucked trends to increase the number of visitors and increase total economic impact since 2020, but in 2026 Aroostook is navigating new challenges from changing Canadian visitor sentiment. Originally from Mattamiscontis, Jacob relocated to Aroostook County in 2018 for work with the Mi'kmaq Nation to establish a Maine Brook Trout hatchery known as Mi’kmaq Farms. Jacob was awarded for best Digital Branding by Messiah University and in 2022 was awarded for his work in Maine farmers’ markets and local foodways as an Aroostook Achiever. Jacob relishes coffee as much as he loves snowboarding.

Mr. Picard brings decades of expertise in association management, strategic planning, and advocacy. As a seasoned leader in the non-profit and trade association sectors, he has successfully managed organizations of varying sizes across diverse industries. His career spans both consulting roles and full-time positions, where he has guided organizations through the development and implementation of strategic plans that drive measurable outcomes. In his role as a registered lobbyist, Curtis has specialized in navigating complex policy areas, including labor, environmental regulations, taxation, and business laws. He has built a reputation for effectively representing the interests of businesses while fostering productive relationships with policymakers. His ability to translate high-level strategic goals into actionable initiatives has made him a trusted advisor to organizational leadership. Currently, Curtis serves as the President and CEO of both the Retail Association of Maine and the New Hampshire Retail Association. In these roles, he advocates for thousands of businesses while leading efforts to address critical issues impacting the retail sector. His extensive experience in facilitation and consensus-building ensures that diverse stakeholders are engaged in shaping policies and strategies that deliver tangible results.

After a 20-year career in public higher education, EJ transitioned to a career in municipal government in August of 2019, focusing on Economic and Community Development. In December of 2025 he transitioned from the City of Old Town to the Town of Orono, where he took on the addition of Planning and Code Enforcement to complement his on-going work in Economic Development. Regionally, EJ serves on the Greater Bangor Recreation Economy For Rural Communities steering committee, the core team of the Greater Bangor Working Community Challenge Grant, is on the planning committee for the Big Gig, and serves on the board of directors for the Economic Development Council of Maine, the Maine Community Development Association, and the Bangor Target Area Development Corporation. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration and a M.Ed. in Higher Ed Leadership from the University of Maine. He is a 2023-2024 (Elephant Class) graduate of the Maine Development Foundations Institute for Civic Leadership. EJ lives in Old Town with his wife and three children.

Lisa Sturgeon is an award-winning educator, entrepreneur, and tourism strategist recognized by MaineBiz as one of the state’s 40 Under 40 for her leadership in business and community development. With a career nearly spanning two decades in marketing, event production, and destination strategy, she blends real-world business insight with a passion for education and sustainable destination development. As Chair of The Greater Bangor Region (The GBR) Steering Committee, Lisa has assisted in leading a collaborative initiative unifying 21 communities through strategic planning, brand development, and destination leadership. A Certified Hospitality Educator and faculty member at Husson University, she teaches marketing and tourism management while mentoring future leaders in Maine’s hospitality and tourism industry. Through both her business ventures and academic work, Lisa champions collaboration, creativity, and sustainable tourism as drivers of economic vitality and community pride.

Lynn Tillotson is the President & CEO of Visit Portland, the Destination Marketing Organization for Greater Portland, Maine. With more than three decades of experience in tourism and hospitality, Lynn has built a reputation as a collaborative leader, a strategic thinker, and a champion of community-driven tourism. Since joining Visit Portland in 2002 and becoming CEO in 2013, she has led the organization through significant growth, innovation, and industry recognition. Under her leadership, Visit Portland helped establish Maine’s first Tourism Development District, securing a sustainable funding model to elevate the region’s marketing efforts and support local businesses. Prior to her role at Visit Portland, Lynn built her career in the hotel industry, advancing through operations, catering, and convention services at the Orlando World Center Marriott, the world’s largest convention hotel. During her 14 years there, she worked directly with event planners, managing conferences ranging from 500 to 5,000 attendees. That hands-on experience continues to inform her practical, people-first approach to leadership. In 2025, Lynn received the Maine Office of Tourism’s Governor’s Award for Tourism Excellence in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the state’s tourism industry. She currently serves on the boards of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Maine Tourism Association, and Cruise Portland Maine. She also serves on the advisory boards for the University of Southern Maine’s Hospitality & Tourism program, the University of Maine’s Tourism, Hospitality, and Outdoor Recreation (THOR) program, and the Biddeford Regional Center for Technology. In addition, she participates in Destinations International’s Advocacy Committee and the Greater Portland Business Education Collaborative.

Seth Walton is an outdoor educator and public-sector professional whose career spans outdoor leadership, public safety, maritime, education, nonprofit management, and government administration. He is the founder and lead instructor of a certificate-granting Outdoor Leadership Program at the MidCoast School of Technology. The two-year program emphasizes community partnerships to form workplace pathways and focuses on wilderness medicine, SAR and technical rescue, paddlesports, navigation, climbing, and sailing. A Registered Master Maine Guide, Seth has led ocean and inland expeditions and trainings for more than two decades. He volunteers with Maine Island Trail Association and Coastal Mountains Search and Rescue.

Sarah is the Deputy Director and started with FDDC initially as Grants Manager in January of 2023. Sarah came to FDDC from a career in education, during which she served in various teaching and leadership roles in tribal and public schools, higher education, non-profits, and government. Sarah has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and American Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine at Orono. Sarah brings to her work a passion for serving tribal communities and diverse experiences in grants management and program design. She believes deeply in FDDC’s mission and is excited to work daily towards it. Sarah enjoys spending time with her daughter, Maddy, and their dog, Sherman.