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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 25 O C T O B E R 7 , 2 0 2 4 AWA R D 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 Influential book: "Dare to Lead," by Brené Brown. While the book resonated in the way I view leadership and vul- nerability, I had the privilege to attend a "Dare to Lead" training workshop that helped reinforce the concepts. Favorite podcast: "ReThinking," with Adam Grant. I enjoy the diverse discussions with the underlying theme that great minds challenge each other to think differently. Best way to recharge: I enjoy spending time outside going on long walks, hiking or biking. I also recharge by feeding my creative side by drawing, painting or try- ing out a new craft. At age 60: Professionally, I'd like to be a mentor to the next generation of women in manufacturing. On the personal side, I see myself retired early, spending time with loved ones and traveling. Perhaps watching the Northern Lights in Reykjavik, Iceland. An advocate for economic progress in northern Maine Brandon McDonald, 34 Regional hub coordinator, Northern Maine Development Commission Significant professional accomplishment: Since join- ing the Maine Small Business Development Centers in 2020, and then with the Northern Maine Development Commission, I've had the honor of assisting hundreds of Maine businesses in securing over $40 million in vital funding, from pandemic relief grants and ARPA investments to loan funds. Witnessing firsthand how this support has empowered businesses to maintain operations, retain staff, and invest in growth has been incredibly rewarding. Even as the world stabilizes, the impact from these investments continues to create posi- tive, lasting changes in our rural communities. Current state of mind: Growing up in rural Maine offered me some shelter from the world's challenges. But today's complexities like economic uncertainty, mental health issues and environmental concerns are becoming part of our everyday lives. My "dad hat" goes on when I get home, and it's important to find the balance between being our best, contribut- ing to our community and supporting oth- ers — but also addressing our own needs. Passion project: I am a proud graduate of the TRIO program, and I believe that it, along with Junior Achievement and JMG are instrumental for growing Maine's future leaders. That is why I love working with these programs, whether it's instruct- ing Upward Bound's summer programming, supporting TRIO through legislative advocacy, or hosting and mentoring JMG students. The enthusiasm I see from students in these programs help me envi- sion a 2030 full of ener- getic leaders who have the confidence to bring new ideas to propel Maine forward! 'Lightbulb' moment: Fifteen years ago I was develop- ing and managing a video game and felt my hobby just became my job. So I went to Northern Maine Community College where I scored a work study job in the public relations office. I gained a mentor and a boss who over- saw a massive investment in the school. At that point, I realized that video game development and economic development went hand in hand. The base premise is "how can we make something that other people will enjoy and benefit from?" It was a no-brainer to make the jump and work in economic development. Audacious goal: I hope for a Maine where rural communities have centralized entrepreneurship communities, with leaders who network them to the right organization for their needs. While regional programs exist and thrive, it's not feasible to network Allagash into Bangor. So it comes as no surprise that initiatives can struggle to reach rural populations — simply by not being pres- ent in their target communities. Favorite quote: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" — Wayne Gretzky Influential book: "Strengths Based Leadership" follows the teachings of Don Clifton and delves into why we make the decisions we make, and how psychological diversity is such an integral part of creating a strong management team. Favorite movie, TV shows: The new "Beverly Hills Cop" movie brings the Let us help you write your next chapter. For the life you choose. At Norway Savings Asset Management Group, it's not necessarily the size of your nest egg we care about — it's the story behind it. Your planning decisions are a reflection of your values and your future. They're about the choices you've made to get here, and your vision for what comes next. We take the responsibility of protecting your financial future incredibly seriously. We make sure your story lives on. 207.482.7920 norwaysavings.bank N ot F DIC I n su red • N o B a n k G ua ra ntee • M ay Lose Va lue C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » P H O T O / S O U B A N H P H A N T H AY

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