Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 A U G U S T 1 0 , 2 0 2 6 Mainebiz: How did your career background prepare you for this job? Corey Hascall: I spent two decades in political strategy and communi- cations, managing state and federal campaigns and multi-million-dollar budgets. ose experiences taught me how to build coalitions, communi- cate a compelling vision, and inspire people to invest in something bigger than themselves. I also worked in the private sector, leading community relations and reputation management for corporate clients in Maine and across the country. at experience strengthened my ability to navigate complexity and build relationships. MB: What was USM like when you joined the foundation? CH: ere was so much pent-up energy after years of volatility fol- lowing the 2008 recession. People believed in USM and wanted to see it thrive. e university embraced a bold vision for transforming the Portland campus. A University of Maine System bond, paired with strategic philanthropic investments, brought that vision to life and sparked a trans- formation that continues today under President Edmondson's leadership. MB: What accomplishments make you proudest? CH: What inspires me most is creat- ing opportunity. Whether it's fund- raising for the McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success and the Crewe Center for the Arts or build- ing the Promise Scholars endowment, the goal is the same: helping students realize what's possible. Nearly 40% of USM students are the first in their families to attend college. When they learn in spaces designed for them, or receive the support to graduate debt-free, they get a powerful message: "You belong here and you are worthy." Over the past nine years, I've watched Promise Scholars earn their degrees, launch careers and change the trajec- tory of their families. at's the kind of impact that stays with me. I'm also incredibly proud of what we've built together through the USM Foundation. Since its creation in 2017, our staff, board, volunteers and univer- sity leadership have transformed USM's relationship with philanthropy, help- ing catalyze the physical and academic transformation taking place across the university. Together, we've built an orga- nization that will strengthen USM and create opportunity for generations of students to come. MB: Examples? CH: e impact becomes real when you see it in individual students. One student came to Maine from South Africa with his parents and four siblings. With support from their church, the family rebuilt their lives, and he became a USM Promise Scholar. Today he's in his third year of law school, pursuing his dream of becoming an attorney. Jacob Curtis, another Promise Scholar, grew up in rural Maine and never imagined college was possible. He found a home at USM and is now pursuing a master's degree in data science with a focus in AI. e talent was always there — he just needed the chance to pursue it. MB: What's on the horizon? CH: We're on our way to a $100 mil- lion endowment. at would put USM in another league, and I'm excited to help us get there. Transformation is a team sport — we say that a lot at the USM Foundation. I have the privilege of working with a team of extraordinary, mission-driven professionals and an outstanding board. None of this hap- pens without them or the support of President Edmondson. L a u r i e S c h r e i b e r , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r , c a n b e r e a c h e d a t l s c h r e i b e r @ m a i n e b i z . b i z Director of Development Anne Krieg Director of Development Anne Krieg Bangor City Manager Carollynn Lear Bangor City Manager Carollynn Lear Economic Development Officer Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith Biguita Hernandez-Smith Leading Bangor: Women Leaders at City Hall Leadership at City Hall is not confined to one office or one title. Across Bangor, women are managing depart- ments, guiding major projects, supporting residents, strengthening neighborhoods, and providing support to the decisions that shape the City's future. At the center of it all is City Manager Carollynn Lear, whose role touches nearly every part of municipal government. From longterm planning and City Council priori es to day-to-day opera ons, her leadership requires both a broad view of Bangor's future and a close understanding of the people and departments working to move it forward. Director of Development Anne Krieg and Economic Development Officer Biguita Hernandez-Smith lead work that directly shapes Bangor's future. From stewarding public resources to suppor ng investment, development, and business growth, their leadership helps move City priori es from planning into ac on. Women throughout Bangor City Hall provide the expertise, leadership, and commitment to public service that strengthen the City every day. bangormaine.gov What inspires me most is creating opportunity.

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