Leaders and Luminaries

Scarborough Public Library’s mission is to provide access to a broad and deep collection and high-quality services that promote lifelong learning in a welcoming, community-centered facility. Kate Borduas’s lifelong love of learning began in a small branch library in London, inspiring her decades-long commitment to the Scarborough Public Library (SPL). As a three-term Board President and longtime patron, she has championed the library as a vital community resource, ensuring access to books, technology, and programs for all residents. Even during personal challenges, Kate has remained dedicated to SPL, guided by her belief that libraries are democratic equalizers and essential connective tissue for the town’s diverse community.

Belknap House aims to provide homeless families in Belknap County with a safe place to stay while helping them gain independence and self-sufficiency through education and access to local resources. Don House, a retired program management and strategic planning professional, has dedicated his leadership and volunteer expertise to addressing homelessness in Laconia, NH. As a board member of Belknap House, he led the development of a strategic plan and authored an expansion business plan that secured the organization’s largest donation to date. This funding enabled the acquisition and renovation of a second facility, BH2, doubling the shelter’s capacity and providing families with a transitional, independent-living environment. Through his vision and hands-on leadership, he has helped Belknap House expand its impact, offering families the support and skills they need to achieve long-term housing stability.

The Beth Wright Cancer Resource Center offers hope, knowledge & support to cancer patients & families. Jordan Stanwood turned her experience as a young cancer survivor into impactful leadership. Her deep passion for this effort expanded access to care, strengthened the Center’s foundation, and guided initiatives like the opening of a new Washington County location, ensuring no one faces cancer alone. Jordan’s personal journey fuels her dedication to the Center’s mission, inspiring hope, compassion, and support for patients and families throughout the community.

Kristin Valdmanis, with dual master’s degrees in early childhood education and extensive experience as a teacher and nursery school founder, brings deep expertise and passion for interactive learning to the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM). Joining the Board in 2017, she quickly rose to Board President in 2020, guiding the organization through the construction and opening of its new $15M Thompson’s Point facility amid the challenges of a global pandemic. Under her strategic and steady leadership, Kristin ensured financial stability, oversaw construction, and drove the creation of CMTM’s first strategic plan, mission, and values. Her dedication to inclusivity and access has helped the museum grow visitation from 100,000 to over 200,000 children and families annually, ensuring that every child can experience CMTM’s STEM, arts, and cultural programming.

Since joining the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association’s (MOFGA) Board of Directors in 2016, Annie Watson has championed farm viability, shaped strategic responses to industry challenges—including the 2021 Horizon Dairy contract crisis—and helped launch the Northeast Organic Family Farm Partnership. Annie has also served as President of the Maine Dairy Industry Association, contributed to numerous state and federal advisory committees, and delivered the keynote at MOFGA’s 2024 Common Ground Country Fair, inspiring the next generation of organic farmers. Her leadership combines practical farm experience with strategic vision, ensuring a sustainable future for Maine’s organic dairy industry.

Beth Ann’s leadership has expanded the organization’s reach beyond downtown, including the creation of the Family Friendly Meals Program, which delivers meals to families and seniors in Concord, NH. Through her vision, commitment, and hands-on approach, Beth Ann has helped grow the program to serve over 100 families each week, extending The Friendly Kitchen's mission into the broader community.

Penny, an experienced educator and author of Book Love, founded the organization in 2012. The Foundation provides grants to supply books for classroom libraries, reaching over 500 teachers in 48 states and 10 Canadian provinces, and has raised more than $1 million. Her leadership has empowered teachers to become leaders in their schools and strengthened literacy instruction, ensuring students everywhere have access to engaging reading experiences.