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V O L . X X V N O. X V I I A U G U S T 5 , 2 0 1 9 22 "Over the past three years, we've tried to work harmoniously across the orga- nization," she says. "CEI has done many things over time, but we're doing them in a way that's more aligned now." One of the key priorities she sees ahead for Maine is increasing rural access to high-speed internet. She compares it to the need for electricity, and the lack of electric utilities a cen- tury ago in large swaths of the coun- try. Eventually, that led to the building of a massive infrastructure under the Roosevelt administration. "America recognized that if rural communities didn't have electricity, they'd be left behind," she says. "Expecting small businesses to reach markets and that young people will stay and thrive without fast internet access is another big challenge." A single mission Biemann is well prepared to lead CEI into its fifth decade. Prior to her role at CEI, Biemann led the Maine Food Cluster Project of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, and advised businesses, nonprofit orga- nizations and social enterprises in Maine and nationally. From 2005-12, she served as presi- dent of the Maine Technology Institute. Earlier, she served as an associate direc- tor at the Rockefeller Foundation in New York City, where she managed a national grant and investment program dedicated to increasing employment in low-income communities. When she considers the diverse stages in her career, she sees a com- mon thread. "I've always tried to go in a direc- tion that uses knowledge to make the world a better place," she says. at's a professional path with another family inspiration. "My father and grandparents came to this country and were able to build a life here," she adds. "I think every- one should have that opportunity." William Hall, Mainebiz digital editor, can be reached at whall @ mainebiz.biz » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY When other kids were talking about the Bruins, we were talking about whether there was life on the moon. — Betsy Biemann In her own words Did you have a mentor or role model? When I was a kid, my mentor was my father and my mom's sisters, who were very strong-willed women. Now there's a group of women I go hiking with, whom I'd call peer mentors. What advice would you give to your former self? Keep your mind open to possibilities. I would not have imagined when I grad- uated from college that I would be the CEO of a CDFI. I just worked on things that were exciting and fulfilling for me. What are you reading this summer? "The Color of Law," by Richard Rothstein, about government policy that drove segregation in the 1900s. It's a sober read. Who would play you in a movie about your life? A tall one! Allison Janney or Sigourney Weaver. And for when I was younger, Gal Gadot, because of her determination and adven- turesome spirit, fighting for good in the world. Betsy Biemann is CEO of Coastal Enterprises Inc. She leads CEI's strategy development, oversees its finances, directs external relations, manages a team of 80 employees and works closely with CEI's board and the boards of its five subsidiaries. She's pictured on the Portland waterfront, where CEI has been active working with the fishing industry.

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