Board of Directors

Karen is a Maine native and has lived in Franklin County since 1978, growing, learning, and loving the Phillips, Kingfield and Strong areas. Graduating from Mt. Abram High School in 1990. She has always possessed a strong desire to be the voice of those underrepresented and a staunch advocate for equality. She maintains a strong bond with her community. lnitially, she established her career by gaining an understanding of community resources and systems that foster independence for person's served. Since that time, she has worked diligently to build relationships with community partners and stakeholders with a goal of improving the quality of life in our rural area while empowering residents to effectively advocate for themselves. Karen is a workforce development specialist at Community Concepts, Inc.

Dr. Schumacher obtained her MD degree from the Larner UVM School of Medicine in 2008. She completed residency at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in June of 2011 and subsequently directed the Yale Pediatric Refugee Clinic for newly-arrived refugees for several years, as well as practiced pediatric medicine in a community practice in central Connecticut. 

In January 2015 she and daughters moved to Farmington, in an effort to be closer to family. She was employed at Franklin Memorial Hospital from 2015 until December 2020, when she left to pursue her goal of providing integrated, high quality primary care for children and families. She has opened an independent practice in Narrow Gauge Square in Farmington, Fiddlehead Pediatric Healthcare.

Elizabeth is a Senior Commercial Loan Administrator at Franklin Savings Bank in Farmington with 10 years of experience in the banking industry. She is active in the community, and you can often find her at Franklin Savings Bank sponsored events. Elizabeth was raised in Farmington and attended schools in RSU9 and is a graduate of Mt. Blue High School. She spent some time in Portland at SMCC and made her way back to Farmington in 2013 at that point starting her journey in banking.

Elizabeth currently lives in Wilton with her fiancé Ryan. Outside of work she’s an avid home cook and enjoys traveling, attending sporting events and spending time with friends.   

"I am very excited and thankful for this opportunity to join the United Way Board of Directors.  I am hopeful that my involvement will provide an opportunity to learn, build networks, and help improve lives within our community. Serving my community has always been fulfilling for me, so I look forward to expanding my service through the United Way". 

Mackenzie is the Assistant Branch Manager of Bangor Savings Bank in Farmington. She was born in Franklin County and has lived in Carthage her entire life. After graduating from Dirigo High School, Mackenzie attended Central Maine Community College and Aveda Institute of Maine and is now attending Western Governor’s University. After college, Mackenzie returned to CMCC, where she worked as a Resident Director for two years, then realized she wanted to focus on her love for cosmetology. She currently holds a salon space in Dixfield part-time. Recently she transitioned into banking at Bangor Savings Bank and was quickly promoted her to her current position.

When not working, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with friends and family. She can often be found out in nature either hiking, hunting, or fishing. If she isn’t in the wonderful Maine woods, she can be found enjoying the summer sun on a beach or finding a new destination to travel to. She has a strong love for animals, her dog usually accompanies her on hikes and her cat always
cuddles up with her at home.

"I believe my love for helping others comes from growing up in a close-knit family as well as small town living. I watched my parents help others countless times and they ask for nothing in return. When you grow up witnessing that, it becomes second nature to help others. Additionally, I was introduced to volunteer work through Relay for Life in high school. Since then, I have
volunteered through my employers at various community events. Being able to have fun while fundraising and supporting the community is one of the reasons I am drawn to United Way. I have seen the impact and importance of United Way programs and resources in this community. Even taking advantage of the free tax prep program in the past, myself. Helping others becomes even more rewarding when we can provide that help directly to the communities we live in and all love. It allows us to see the results of these programs firsthand".

Heather graduated from Southern Maine Community College with an Associate Degree in Graphics Design and New Media in 2010. After leaving Portland and returning to her hometown of Farmington, she took a job as a phlebotomist at Franklin Memorial, this was where she discovered that she enjoyed health care and found her desire to lead. She has now been with the hospital for 11 years and is the Manager of Franklin Health Pediatrics. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends and Great Dane puppy, Remus.

Heather loves to travel, explore new (warm) places, go kayaking, camping, and trying new things this world has to offer. If there is a thrill to be had or a new adventure to try - from bull riding, to skydiving, swimming with whale sharks or exploring Mayan ruins -  she is signing up to soak in the opportunity. Ever since she was a child she wanted to give to others pulling as many gift tags off the Walmart tree that her mom would allow or having a “sponsor a child” donation for her birthday gift, helping those in need has always been important to her. Working at FCHN has allowed her to grow that passion in adulthood and start working with the United Way to impact her own community in a larger way. This is what made her so excited to have to chance to join the United Way board of directors and find new ways to help.

Shane graduated from Caribou High School and earned his Eagle Scout award in 1992. He went on to the University of Maine and graduated with an Associates of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1994. While working as an Officer for Farmington Police he attended the University of Maine at Farmington graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 2005. He earned a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Husson University in 2010.

Shane started his law enforcement career at the age of 18 working as a transport officer for the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department. During college he worked as a security guard and as a transport officer with the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department. Shane was hired as a full-time patrolman in November of 1996 for the Farmington Police Department. He attended and graduated from the 84th Municipal/County Basic Police School, at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, in June of 1997. He was promoted to Sergeant in June 2004 and Deputy Chief of Police in October of 2010.

Shane served as a board member for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Services and the Bonney Woods Corporation for many years. Shane is currently the secretary for Maine Lodge #20 A.F. & A.M., the secretary for the Widows Sons, Sons of Hiram Chapter Masonic Motorcycle Riders Association, and the band manager and member of the Kora Shrine Band.

Galen graduated with a master’s degree in education administration from the University of degree. He served 7 years in the US Army in Military Intelligence, as a Russian Linguist. He served a majority of his time in Berlin Germany before and just after the fall of the Wall. Upon separating from the military, Galen worked in banking for 23 years, most recently as an Assistant Vice President for Bangor Savings Bank. 

Since the Fall of 2015, Galen has worked in education as a Special Education Teacher, Interim Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, and in his current position he is the Assistant Director of the Foster Career and Technical Education Center on the Mt. Blue Campus. 

Upon returning to the Farmington area his wife Lisa (Director of World Languages and International Student Program at Mt. Blue Campus) and Galen raised two children and became involved in numerous organizations which served the community. He has always enjoyed working with students and have coached at all levels including college. Galen is very excited about serving on the board of at United Way of the Tri-Valley Area to help make a difference in the local community. He is looking forward to using his experience, organizational skills, and people skills to help UWTVA meet its goals and reach as many people as possible.

Benjamin West is a local entrepreneur with several businesses in Franklin County.  Background expertise areas are in Finance, Real Estate Development and Property Management.  Ben enjoys taking on new business opportunities and challenges regularly, which leads to a constantly changing work life.  This has led Ben to serve in various capacities on a few local boards of non-profit entities.

Ben attended Suffolk University and obtained a degree in Finance and Business Management, and well as the University of Maine where he obtained a Juris Doctor Degree.  Currently Ben lives on Porter Lake in New Vineyard, Maine, with his three dogs. 

Jodi has been fortunate to use her business and teaching degree in a variety of careers in her lifetime. She began her career as a high school Business Education teacher before moving to the area and then expanded her opportunities to events planning, marketing, recruitment, human resources, administration, volunteer management and much more during her 16 years at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Bringing her teaching and business experience together has led her to her current position where she helps women start and grow small businesses in rural Maine.   
 
When not working, Jodi enjoys exploring the wonderful State of Maine and beyond with her family. Jodi and Bob’s passion is to get their daughters, Madison and Isabelle, to every state in the US. She is an avid supporter of high school sports and can be seen cheering on her kids and others in the community.  
 
"As a long-time supporter of the United Way and volunteer coordinator for over 10 years, I value the need for volunteerism in our community. I was raised in a family where volunteerism was a vital part of our everyday lives. I am in a time of my life where I have time to give back to the community that has been so great for my family. The sense of belonging is so important for a community! Through all the events and support that the United Way provides it brings the sense of belonging to all of us. I love supporting a mission that supports bringing the community together. I hope to be an additional resource to the great things the United Way has planned".