Our Staff

Elaine joined SCEC in October 2021 and serves as the Community and Economic Development Planner.   She provides assistance with comprehensive planning, broadband planning, and other community initiatives.

Denise joined SCEC in April of 2019 and currently serves as the organization’s Associate Director. As part of the executive leadership team, she has helped lead SCEC through a period of rapid growth and innovation. Denise provided critical leadership and staff support for the community input gathering, capital campaign, construction, and launch phases of the MaineStreet Business Building and helped establish and grow SCEC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship team, which she currently leads. Denise continues to strengthen partnerships and internal capacity in small business and workforce development through the development and delivery of business startup and development programs in collaboration with many business support network partners, as well as collaboratively designed workforce programs, such as the Washington County Recovery Friendly Workplace Network and others targeted at shining a light on career and innovation opportunities across Maine’s heritage industries.

Denise is currently enrolled in the Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Executive PhD Program. In May of 2015, Denise graduated from Saint Joseph’s College having earned her MBA. She earned her preceding business management degrees through Washington County Community College and UMaine Machias, respectively. Prior to joining SCEC, Denise worked in the banking/finance industry for 13 years in the commercial credit risk and branch leadership and lending arenas. Since 2013, Denise has enjoyed an active adjunct business faculty role at WCCC and as of March 2023, her Select Board Member role for the Town of Jonesport. She lives in Jonesport with her husband, son, and furry kids. Favorite pastimes include musical expression, spending time with family and friends, as well as volunteering for causes around the premise of creating opportunities for the children of Washington County.

Angela Cox joined SCEC in February of 2020. She is the Enrollment and Eligibility Officer for Family Futures Downeast. Angela recruits and enrolls families into the program and assists with administrative duties. She is a Certified Mental Health Technician and previously provided case management services to individuals in the Waterville area.

She was born and raised in Washington County. She currently resides in Machias with her golden retriever Willow.

Matt Dana II joined SCEC in May of 2022 as the Working Communities Challenge Partnership Director. In his role, he helps facilitate, coordinate, and maintain the Washington County & Passamaquoddy Tribe team partnership.

Prior to joining SCEC, he was in Law Enforcement for 21 years for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township. He was both the Chief Game Warden and Chief of Police at separate times in his career at Indian Township Tribal Government. He also served a four term as the Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative to the Maine Legislature.

Matt currently lives at Indian Township with his wife Nakia and two dogs. He is a proud father of one daughter and two sons, and an extremely proud Mumu of 4. He also co-owns two small businesses. He enjoys almost everything to do with the outdoors. 

Atrica “Dodie” Emerson joined SCEC as the Downeast Community Catalyst in October 2023. She is a member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Division team, and her primary role is to engage and support Washington County’s businesses, communities, and families to create awareness of programs and services, build skills and connections to resources, and foster relationships that enhance recovery, well-being, and economic outcomes in the county’s communities.

Before joining SCEC, Dodie worked at the CareerCenter in the Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Employment Services for 23 years. She holds a BS in Management and Human Services, an AS in Business Technology – Office Information Management, and a Certificate in Human Resources Management from the University of Maine at Machias.

Dodie is a lifelong resident of Washington County and resides in Addison with her husband, Ossie, and their son, Jacob.

Gabriela joined SCEC in April 2017.  Gabriela manages the financial aspects of the many contracts and grants which support SCEC’s work. Trained at the Air Force Academy and New Mexico State University, Gabriela has worked as both a finance officer and as an English teacher.

Gabriela lives in Trescott with her husband, five daughters, and various farm animals. She spends her spare time spinning, weaving and knitting as well as teaching others about fiber arts.

Donielle joined SCEC in January of 2024 to become a FFD Coach. She has a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine at Augusta, a Certificate in Substance Use and Recovery, and an associate degree in Human Services from Washington County Community College. She also holds an MHRTC Certification.

She was born and raised in Washington County and now has 5 children that she and her partner Curtis are raising, Wyatt, Abigael, Nathan, Hunter, and David. Donielle is very passionate about food insecurity and enjoys working at a local food pantry. Donielle enjoys fishing, hunting, and attending her children’s sports events.

Before working at SCEC, Donielle worked at Downeast Community Partners as a Family Coach, and at Healthy Acadia before that as a Recovery Coach.

Brittany Foster is a native Texan with over a decade of experience in a combination of coastal ecology research and environmental science education projects.

She earned her B.S. in Biology and a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction. During this time, she collaborated with local volunteers and education organizations to build community partnerships that create positive learning experiences for youth. She looks forward to continuing community collaborations with Downeast Fisheries Partnership.

Brittany lives at the coast where you are likely to find her hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing or fishing.

Cecil Gardner joined SCEC as the DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism Coordinator in May of 2023 after completing an internship with the Maine Office of Tourism and his Masters of Business Administration at the University of Maine. He finished his bachelor’s in environmental sustainability and sociology in 2010 from Loyola University in Chicago where he also focused on jazz drumming.

Prior to joining SCEC, Cecil helped to launch two Greater Portland music venues, performed door-to-door sales across Southern Maine with Maine Green Power and Efficiency Maine, and organized some of the most successful electronic music events in Portland.

He currently lives on Deer Isle with his girlfriend where they hike, cook, explore, and frequent businesses across the region. Fun fact: Cecil has played the drum kit for 26 years.

Mae Garvin joined SCEC in January of 2020 as a Finance Assistant to Gabriela Eyerman. After growing up in Down East Maine Mae has lived many places in the U.S. where she honed her skills in Finance and Human Resources. Throughout the years working in many different types of industries in major metropolitan cities, and in suburban and rural communities. After returning to her roots here, but prior to join SCEC, Mae worked for Washington Academy, Down East Community Hospital, and UMM.

Mae lives in Bailey’s Mistake where she spent her formative years, enjoying the quiet and scenery that only Down East Maine can offer. In her spare time, she volunteers on many Board of Directors, and other positions for lots of the organizations in need. She takes classes at UMM. And she scrapbooks and spends time walking the beach.

Brooke Hachey has been a part of SCEC since August 2023, initially serving as the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Coordinator before transitioning to her current role as the Gear Coordinator. Her journey with SCEC began after completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Communities Studies at the University of Maine at Machias in 2019. Prior to joining SCEC, Brooke dedicated five years to the Maine Department of Labor’s Bureau of Employment Services, where she honed her skills and passion for community outreach.

A proud Washington County resident, Brooke’s roots run deep in the fishing community. Before and while pursuing her degree, she actively managed her family’s lobster wharf, gaining firsthand experience in the challenges and opportunities facing coastal communities.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Brooke finds joy in her role as a parent to her two children, Ray and Delilah, and takes great pride in caring for her rescue animals. She calls Addison home, where she continues to contribute to the vibrant fabric of her community both personally and professionally.

Susan Hatton joined SCEC in December 2014. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Machias, an Associate Degree in Computer Technology from Washington County Community College and Paralegal Certificate from the University of Maine at Augusta. Prior to joining SCEC, Susan worked as Paralegal, Bookkeeper and Network Administrator at a law firm in Bar Harbor. She also worked in the aquaculture industry in Eastport where she monitored husbandry and inventory of farmed Atlantic salmon and was responsible company compliance with federal and state regulations.

Susan lives in Charlotte with her friend, Joseph, where they own and operate a 20-acre blueberry farm.

Christopher is an educator with thirty years teaching experience in American history, government, politics, global studies and educational administration including being head of school/principal of 2 schools. Earlier in his career he worked for two community development organizations, one in rural Kansas and the other in Commerce City, Colorado.

Since his first day on the job in September 2023, Chris has been on the road meeting with people across the region to listen to their concerns, hopes and aspirations for their community. 

Christopher and his wife, Alaine, started their Vanceboro homestead in 2016 after Alaine’s father’s property passed on to her. Chris and Alaine have lived throughout the US and Central American in both urban and rural communities. 

Ashley joined SCEC in September 2023, though she worked with the organization previously as a consultant on various design projects and business training. Ashley has a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies from Lesley University and a master’s degree in Responsible Management and Sustainable Economic Development from the United Nations-mandated University for Peace.

Ashley has worked with small businesses and non-profit organizations on their branding and online presence since 2014 through her business, AHD Design. After several years living in cities across the U.S., Costa Rica and Nepal, Ashley returned to Maine in 2016 with her husband. They live in Calais, where she was born and raised, with their two children.

Crystal Hitchings joined SCEC in February 2020 as director of Community Infrastructure & Promotion Programs, including National Heritage Area Feasibility, DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, and Community Broadband planning.  Prior to joining the SCEC team, Crystal worked as a regional planner for 7 years with Washington County Council of Governments and DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism.  She has a Masters degree in Landscape Planning and a Bachelors in Environmental Studies & Creative Writing.

Crystal lives in Cherryfield on a 400-acre parcel of conservation land where she grew up.  Her favorite outdoor activities are swimming, camping, beachcombing, and bushwhacking in the forest.  Otherwise, you’ll probably find her hanging out with cats in the sunshine.

Tora Johnson joined SCEC in January 2024 and is the director of the Sustainable Prosperity Initiative. A social scientist and geographer, Tora has a master’s degree in human ecology from College of the Atlantic and a PhD in human dimensions of natural resources from the University of Maine. Her work focuses on supporting resilience and economic development, sustainable fisheries, local and regional planning, and dignity-centered community engagement. Prior to joining the SCEC staff, Tora worked in academia, serving nearly 20 years on the faculty at the University of Maine at Machias where she is now a professor emeritus. She is an external graduate faculty member with the School of Forest Resources and an external faculty associate with the George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions at the University of Maine. She is on several boards and committees focusing on community and environmental issues in Maine and the Downeast Region.

Before becoming a mom in 1996, Tora made a career of teaching and crewing aboard several of the large sailing vessels that ply the coast of New England, as well as commercial fishing in Alaska. Also a writer, Tora’s award-winning book, Entanglements: The Intertwined Fates of Whales and Fishermen, was released in 2005. She was the marine reporter for the Martha’s Vineyard Times from 1998 to 2000, and she published the Guide to Freshwater Animals without Backbones with Arlene De Strulle in 1997. She has collaborated with installation artists and sculptors on community-based and place-based installation art projects.

Tora lives in Machias with her husband, fisherman and fish monger Chris Mullen. She loves to hike and snowshoe with her two dogs on the region’s many trails, as well as messing about in boats.

James Jutras joined SCEC in July 2023 by way of Northern Vermont with a career in Water Quality and Public Works. His degree is in Natural Resources Management with broad professional work in public works infrastructure and municipal utility operations. Project management experience has been from concept through engineering and implementation. He currently maintains a Grade 5 Wastewater Operator Certification in Maine, MA and VT. Work history also included day to day wastewater treatment facility operations, small scale renewable energy development projects (combined heat and power), energy conservation, and construction management. He can assist SCEC served communities in moving projects from concept to permit and financing, then construction.

In his spare time, James and his wife Pauline enjoy exploring the beauty, quiet and solitude Downeast has to offer.

With over 10 years in Healthcare IT, Geoffrey brings a wealth of knowledge in resolving intricate IT challenges and processes. His experience ranges from Software, hardware, project management, and EHR. In his role with SCEC, Geoffrey works with businesses to leverage technology to drive business growth and innovation.

Geoffrey holds an MBA and a Master’s in Information Systems from Middle Tennessee State University.

Geoffrey lives in Beals with his wife, daughter, and their two dogs.

Jessica  joined SCEC in the summer of 2016. She has Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Community Studies from the University of Maine at Machias and a mental health rehabilitation certification from Washington County Community College.

Prior to working at SCEC, Jessica was an intern at the Community Caring Collaborative where she organized training programs. As a case manager at Wings for Children and Families, Jessica managed client cases and undertook home visits.

Nicole joined the DFP as support staff in the fall of 2024. With over a decade of experience writing and managing grants and programs, Nicole is excited to be working with organizations and communities in Downeast Maine to support the recovery and resilience of our fisheries. Nicole earned her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Montana. She has previously directed a local land trust and a Department of Education grant program called TRIO Student Support Services. Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, reading, swimming, and exploring Maine.

Jennifer Peters joined SCEC in June 1996 while attending classes at the University of Maine at Machias. She graduated summa cum laude from UMM in 1997 with a Bachelor of Sciences degree with concentrations in Marketing and Office Management.

First as SCEC Program Manager, then Assistant Director, and most recently as Director of Community Development, Peters has played a crucial role in developing and administering several of the Council’s signature programs, including its scholarship fund for nontraditional learners, and trainings for small- and micro-business people. She has also coordinated the Noyce award winning Washington County Leadership Institute since 2002, and is an active member of boards and committees dealing with topics from sustainable tourism to economic development, education and workforce development.

Peter Piconi brings over three decades of diverse business expertise to his role assisting aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and employers in the region as part of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Team. He will lead efforts to connect business owners within industry clusters and provide personalized one-on-one business advising.

Peter comes with a diverse background and skillsets to support Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. His formal background in wildlife management, and his training and practice as a biologist/researcher inform his unique perspective about designing successful business eco-systems.  As an entrepreneur, he launched and managed an outdoor retail waterfront business and charter service in a highly competitive San Diego market.  His business experience led him to the Midwest where he was a key lead for a start-up regional fishery (RAS) within a budding network of investors.  

This work brought him to Maine to manage the Aquaculture Business Development Program for the Island Institute, successfully establishing key partnerships in support of island and coastal fisherman while building a collaborating network of aquaculturists throughout Maine. During this tenure there, he implemented the first seaweed market analysis for a nascent Maine seaweed industry. His most recent work was as a business advisor for Coastal Enterprises Inc and the Maine Small Business Development Center in mid coast Maine. He focused on serving small businesses through all phases, including startup, scaling and maturity.

Peter’s work in the last decade has focused intensively on economic development and community advancement by providing support in the following areas: business start-up, strategic planning, marketing, promotion of specialty retail, network and community building, stakeholder education and engagement, eco-tourism, aquaculture, and viniculture.

Shane Renshaw joined SCEC in July 2017. He has a Bachelor degree in Psychology with a concentration in Addiction Studies. He was Born and raised in Washington County Maine where he lives with his wife Valerie and two children, Alex and Brianna.  Prior to joining SCEC, he worked as an adult and children’s mobile crisis worker. He has also held various supervisory roles in community mental health.

Tanya has worked for SCEC off and on since 2015.  She currently is the regional coordinator for the Community Resilience Partnership helping municipalities in Washington, Hancock and Waldo Counties access funds and technical support to improve their climate resilience.  Trained as a natural resource manager and archivist, Tanya brings subject knowledge and strong organizational skills to her position. Tanya has worked in America, Asia and Australia as a park ranger, organic farm manager, citizen science leader, and land trust director.

Tanya lives in an old farmhouse on one of the capes with an assortment of animals and a rotating cast of house guests. She spends her spare time homesteading, foraging, hiking, cooking and provoking needless, but amusing adventures.

Charles Rudelitch joined SCEC as Executive Director in May 2014. A Harrington native, Charles has a long history with the Council, having interned with SCEC in the late 1990s and serving on its Board during the early 2000s. He has earned degrees in Applied History from Carnegie Mellon University; Resource Economics & Policy from the University of Maine; as well as a law degree from the University of Maine School of Law.

Prior to joining SCEC, Charles served as the Staff Attorney for Pine Tree Legal in Hancock & Washington counties. In addition to the legal field, he has worked in economic and community development for the towns of Bridgton, Fort Kent, and Guilford, and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, along with the Eastern Maine Development Corporation.

Charles lives in Harrington with his husband, Marc. They own and operate a baking company and along with other members of their extended family, are partners in a family farm.

Marsha joined SCEC in February 2017.  At SCEC, she manages the Family Futures Downeast Program which creates access to education and employment opportunities for parents with young children.

Marsha has a Bachelor’s degree in English Writing and American Studies.  Before coming to SCEC, Marsha worked for the Nome Eskimo Community, serving as their youth director and then deputy director for the tribal government.  Now settling in Jonesboro, Marsha lives with her husband Mike, and two cats–Sophia and Randy.  She is a keen gardener, fisher-woman and swimmer.

Amanda Smith joined SCEC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Team in 2023. In her role as a Coastal Opportunities Advisor, she works with coastal Washington County towns to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs in identifying and pursuing ways to diversify their income – a significant piece of our coastal economy. Prior to her role with SCEC, she co-led the formation of a local grassroots organization to assist in fundraising and advocating for the survival of Maine’s lobster fishery.

A graduate of University of Maine at Machias’ Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Community Studies, Amanda spent time working in Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling before embracing the world of workforce development case management – roles her internship with the Department of Labor prepared her for. At the onset of the pandemic, in response to the mass layoffs, Amanda was tasked with creating and facilitating a resources workshop to assist thousands of Mainers with identifying how to adapt to the rapidly changing employment landscape; this workshop was then adapted for and used at the state level.

Amanda resides on Great Wass Island with her husband and daughter, whom they’ve opted to homeschool – another topic she’s quite passionate about.