Camden National Bank Shines a Light on Local Nonprofit Board Members
December 16, 2024
Camden, Maine, December 10, 2024 – Camden National Bank proudly reveals its 2024 Leaders & Luminaries Awardees, granting their respective organizations $22,000 in unrestricted funding. Since the recognition initiative launched in 2011, Camden National Bank has donated nearly $264,000 to 68 Maine nonprofits across the state through the Leaders & Luminaries program. Over the years, hundreds of board directors have been nominated by fellow board members and nonprofit staff, highlighting countless stories of these unsung heroes going above and beyond as stewards for positive community change.
“We recognize the significant role that board members play in advancing a nonprofit organization’s mission and impact through innovative thinking and outstanding board governance,” said Renée Smyth, chief experience and marketing officer of Camden National Bank. “We’re excited to honor this group of outstanding leaders for their dedication to address critical needs and create meaningful and lasting change in our communities.”
Camden National Bank’s independent selection committee narrowed the pool of nominations down to four Leaders & Luminaries Award winners. Each will receive a $5,000 grant in unrestricted funding for their nonprofit organization. Camden National Bank is also recognizing a Spotlight Award winner who will receive a $2,000 grant. Donations were funded through the bank’s private charitable foundation, The Bank of Maine Foundation.
2024 Leaders & Luminaries Award Winners:
Alan Caron, Founder, ClimateWork Maine (Portland, Maine)
ClimateWork Maine serves as a support network for businesses and business leaders acting 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 expanded the organization's reach and services and ensured that safety and compliance were prioritized.
Additionally, the bank granted a Spotlight Award to William “Bill” Buckley, the founding president of the Challenger Learning Center of Maine, with a $2,000 grant. 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.
For more information on Camden National Bank’s Leaders & Luminaries Program, click here.
About Camden National Corporation
Camden National Corporation (NASDAQ: CAC) is the largest publicly traded bank holding company in Northern New England, with $5.7 billion in assets and 57 banking centers. Founded in 1875, Camden National Bank is a full-service community bank offering the latest digital banking, complemented by award-winning, personalized service. Camden National Bank has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by Best Companies Group and named to Forbes’ World's Best Banks list. Visit CamdenNational.bank for more information. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Comprehensive wealth management, investment, and financial planning services are delivered by Camden National Wealth Management.
“We recognize the significant role that board members play in advancing a nonprofit organization’s mission and impact through innovative thinking and outstanding board governance,” said Renée Smyth, chief experience and marketing officer of Camden National Bank. “We’re excited to honor this group of outstanding leaders for their dedication to address critical needs and create meaningful and lasting change in our communities.”
Camden National Bank’s independent selection committee narrowed the pool of nominations down to four Leaders & Luminaries Award winners. Each will receive a $5,000 grant in unrestricted funding for their nonprofit organization. Camden National Bank is also recognizing a Spotlight Award winner who will receive a $2,000 grant. Donations were funded through the bank’s private charitable foundation, The Bank of Maine Foundation.
2024 Leaders & Luminaries Award Winners:
Alan Caron, Founder, ClimateWork Maine (Portland, Maine)
ClimateWork Maine serves as a support network for businesses and business leaders acting 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 expanded the organization's reach and services and ensured that safety and compliance were prioritized.
Additionally, the bank granted a Spotlight Award to William “Bill” Buckley, the founding president of the Challenger Learning Center of Maine, with a $2,000 grant. 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.
For more information on Camden National Bank’s Leaders & Luminaries Program, click here.
About Camden National Corporation
Camden National Corporation (NASDAQ: CAC) is the largest publicly traded bank holding company in Northern New England, with $5.7 billion in assets and 57 banking centers. Founded in 1875, Camden National Bank is a full-service community bank offering the latest digital banking, complemented by award-winning, personalized service. Camden National Bank has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by Best Companies Group and named to Forbes’ World's Best Banks list. Visit CamdenNational.bank for more information. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Comprehensive wealth management, investment, and financial planning services are delivered by Camden National Wealth Management.
