Vera Rand Roberts, of New Hope Midcoast, has been awarded a Spotlight Award and a $2,000 grant as part of the Camden National Bank’s 2023 Leaders & Luminaries Awards.

Camden National Bank’s annual Leaders & Luminaries awards honor nonprofit board members who demonstrate innovative thinking and outstanding governance to advance their organization’s mission and impact. Since 2011, Camden National Bank has donated $242,000 to 63 Maine nonprofits through the Leaders & Luminaries Awards presented to board members who exhibit exemplary leadership skills, execute strong strategic and financial plans, and are passionate about their organization’s long-term growth.

Roberts, New Hope Midcoast’s board president, was nominated by her peers for her strong leadership and advocacy skills, as well as her flexibility and resourcefulness. Roberts was also credited for providing outstanding guidance to the executive director, especially during the pandemic, when the number of domestic violence incidents skyrocketed.

“Vera’s leadership at New Hope Midcoast demonstrates the tremendous impact and influence board members have on nonprofits,” said Renée Smyth, chief experience and marketing officer of Camden National Bank, in a news release. “We are proud to support her difficult but necessary work to build safer communities in Maine.”

Headquartered in Rockland, New Hope Midcoast is the Regional Domestic Violence Resource Center in Midcoast Maine. Since 1981, their staff has been serving individuals affected by domestic abuse, dating violence, and stalking. By educating and empowering communities, New Hope Midcoast supports a more just and effective response to domestic violence and abuse.

The additional 2023 Leaders & Luminaries honorees include the following board members: Heather Abello of Hearty Roots, Dottie Chalmers Cutter of the Institute for Family-Owned Business, Jamie Plourde of the Children’s Discovery Museum of Central Maine, and Kathie Marquis-Girard of the Percival P. Baxter Foundation for Maine's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children.

Donations were funded through the bank’s private charitable foundation, The Bank of Maine Foundation.

Camden National Corporation (NASDAQ: CAC) is the largest publicly traded bank holding company in Northern New England with $5.8 billion in assets and was proudly listed as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine, for the past three years. Founded in 1875, Camden National Bank is a full-service community bank dedicated to customers at every stage of their financial journey. With 24/7 live phone support, 57 banking centers, and additional lending offices in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, Camden National Bank offers the latest in digital banking, complemented by award-winning, personalized service. To learn more, visit CamdenNational.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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