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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 29 M A R C H 2 3 , 2 0 2 6 they can play in delivering those goals. Be curious. Listen and learn from peo- ple with different perspectives and do your best to give everyone an opportu- nity to candidly share their perspectives. Of course, give guidance, but also give employees the space to excel." Truth, curiosity, flexibility James Herbert, president of the University of New England. Honored in 2025 as Education Leader of the Year: "Build a culture in which people tell you the truth, especially when it's inconve- nient. Champion curiosity, flexibility and humility as core leadership traits. Never forget that your team pays far more attention to what you do than what you say. Model the standards you expect, and the organization will rise to meet them." Embracing change Mike Haws, president and CEO, Sappi Paper North America. Honored in 2025 as Manufacturing Industry Leader of the Year for leading a large expansion at the Somerset Mill in Skowhegan: "Effective leadership means decid- ing what comes next — without waiting for someone else to supply the answers. True transformation doesn't arrive from the outside; it's created by people willing to define the future and move it forward. While change can be challeng- ing, even uncomfortable, resist- ing it is what holds organizations back. Growth takes hold when we embrace change and take owner- ship of the path forward." AWARD B U S I N E S S L E A D E R S O F T H E Y E A R Building your business? Talk to your neighbor. Since 1852, Bath Savings has been investing in the people, communities, and businesses that make Maine the place we're proud to call home. Our lenders are your neighbors — they shop in your downtown, coach your kids, volunteer in your community, and understand your local economy. Contact us today to learn more about custom lending solutions tailored to suit your needs. 1-800-447-4559 | bathsavings.bank MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER Kevin Ward Owner, Coastal Creamery James Perkolidis Vice President, Bath Savings When the world feels uncertain, our principles should not. — Deborah Bronk Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F A L L A G A S H B R E W I N G P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F S A P P I PA P E R James Herbert Mike Haws Deborah Bronk Rob Tod