Leaders and Luminaries
68
Nonprofit board directors recognized since 2011.
$264,000
Awarded to Maine nonprofits since 2011.
$22,000
To be awarded in 2024.
o Through our Leaders & Luminaries Awards, we are shining a light on four outstanding nonprofit board members who bring a new level of leadership to their role and are paving the way in board service and volunteerism. Since 2011, Camden National Bank has celebrated and recognized 68 of these board members—often unsung community heroes— who exhibit exemplary leadership skills, execute strong strategic and financial plans, and have a passion for their organization’s long-term growth. This year, we awarded a total of $22,000 in grants to five awardees for their respective nonprofit organizations.
2024 Nominations are closed. Learn about this year’s award winners below.
Congratulations to our 2024 Leaders & Luminaries Award Winners!
Recognized with $5,000 grants for each respective nonprofit.
Alan Caron, Founding President, ClimateWork Maine (Portland, Maine)
ClimateWork Maine serves as a support network for businesses and business leaders taking action on climate change to meet its challenges and seize the opportunities it presents to build a more sustainable economy. Alan has been foundational in bringing Maine businesses together to help mitigate emissions from buildings, electricity, and vehicles while ensuring that Maine’s most vulnerable and rural communities are not left behind in such challenging times. His continued leadership, both as a financial supporter and volunteer, has been instrumental in shaping the organization's success and positioning it as a key player in Maine's climate future.
Chris Houle, Treasurer of the Board, Maine Academy of Modern Music (Portland, Maine)
Maine Academy of Modern Music is committed to universal access to music education for all Mainers and using the power of music to inspire students, foster creative collaboration, and strengthen community connections. Chris’ leadership ensures that all students across Maine have access to meaningful musical experiences, regardless of their background or circumstances. As the organization’s Treasurer, Chris has been instrumental in navigating significant organizational changes and Dedicated to empowering the board with financial literacy sessions, which has truly inspired informed decision-making and strengthened our community.
Katie Weiler, Board Member, Saltwater Classroom (Camden, Maine)
Saltwater Classroom’s mission is to foster an ethic of ocean stewardship in young students and learners of all ages through hands-on ocean education, tech integration, and global collaboration. Katie has played a pivotal role in shaping Saltwater Classroom's strategic vision, particularly in the development of their Phase II online learning platform. Katie’s leadership has implemented sound board governance through a structured approach and accountability.
Mike Wilson, Board Member, The Center for Grieving Children (Portland, Maine)
The Center for Grieving Children's mission is to provide loving support to grieving children, teens, families, and the community through peer support, outreach, and education. Mike’s personal experience led him to join and eventually help lead this nonprofit organization. Under his leadership, the organization successfully navigated transitions in leadership and evolved from in-person meetings to virtual formats. This shift not only expanded the organization's reach and services but also ensured that safety and compliance were prioritized.
2024 Spotlight Award winner:
William “Bill” Buckley, Founding President, The Challenger Learning Center of Maine (Bangor, Maine)
Bill rallied local support and worked tirelessly to establish the state of Maine’s only center, which opened in 2004 and aims to engage students and teachers in dynamic, hands-on exploration and discovery opportunities that strengthen knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), inspire students to pursue careers in these fields and provide an outlet to learn and apply important life skills. His leadership, hands-on involvement, and dedication have helped the center serve over 8,000 students annually, providing them with transformative STEM experiences.
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AWARDS INFORMATION & CRITERIA
Eligibility
- Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations or groups that demonstrate tax-exempt status under the internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)3.
- The nominee must be currently serving on the board of directors and not employed by the organization.
- The nonprofit organization must be located and operating in the state of Maine or New Hampshire. If an organization is part of a larger national nonprofit, then the nominee must be from the Maine or New Hampshire branch of the organization.
- Camden National Bank employees are not eligible to nominate or be nominated.
- Previous award recipients are not eligible to participate for the following five years.
- Only one nomination accepted per organization.
Additional selection considerations
- The size, age, budget and mission of the organization are not material in consideration for this award.
- In reviewing applications, the selection committee will take into account the funds, staff and volunteers available to the organization, as well as how effectively it has allocated those resources to fulfill its mission. The committee will also consider whether appropriate term-limits have been put in place and a sustainable leadership plan established.
- The selection committee is dedicated to making sure the awardees reflect our values of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities.
- No prior or current relationship with Camden National Bank will be considered or is necessary to receive this award.
- All information submitted will be confidential.
Selection committee
- One executive of Camden National Bank
- Three other independent volunteers who are active in Maine’s nonprofit community
Funding and recognition
- Four (4) nonprofit organizations will each receive $5,000 grants on behalf of their awardees.
- Each awardee and organization will be recognized on Camden National Bank’s website, social media, and marketing materials.
- Leaders & Luminaries awards are made possible by Camden National Bank, through The Bank of Maine Foundation. In October 2015, Camden National Bank acquired The Bank of Maine in order to better serve customers through a wider range of financial products and services while still remaining an important member of the communities we serve.