8
William Keleher is Chief Executive Officer and co-
founder of Kennebec River Biosciences, an aquatic
animal biotechnology company based in Richmond,
Maine. The company's mission is to manage risk for the
aquaculture industry as it becomes one of the major
food sources in the 21st century. Raised in upstate
New York, William did his undergraduate studies at the University of
Maine and graduate work at Oregon State University before returning
to Maine in 1996 to start his company.
Allison Lakin founded Lakin's Gorges Cheese in 2011
in leased space, taking a leap of faith in starting a one
woman business. In December 2017, she moved into
her own farm-based facility in Waldoboro, with room
to quadruple production. A degree in Anthropology
from Cornell University, work in technical theatre, and
a career in museums, might not seem like they would lead to a cheese-
making business. However, a grounding in science, the patience to repair
machinery, an appreciation for art, research skills, and a love of lifelong
learning sprouted from this background. Her approach to running the
business continues to be, always ask questions.
Becky McKinnell founded her award-winning digital
agency iBec Creative the day after graduating from
the University of Southern Maine in 2006. Becky has
since been recognized as one of Businessweek's Top
25 Entrepreneurs 25 and Under, was named U.S. Small
Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year,
1 0 B E S T I D E A S F O R S TA R T- U P S A N D E N T R E P R E N E U R S ( C O N T. )
PA N E L I S T S
