Present: Jenni Tilton-Flood, Ed Barrett, Sue Asselin Hawthrone, Jonathan Barczyk, John Portella
The Executive Committee gathered virtually for its monthly work session at 3:00 pm.
DEI guest for June Commission meeting. Because Celeste was unable to attend, there was no update. Maryalice will check in with her about schedule on the agenda.
Annual Board Retreat. June is the time to set the dates so members hold them open. The regular September meeting falls on 9/17. Discussion resulted in a decision to ask board members to come to the June meeting prepared to answer two questions: can they hold the dates of 9/16+9/17 for the meeting and retreat; knowing there will be some time devoted to DEI exploration with Nico Chin and time to update the strategic plan, is there another topic or issue members want addressed during the retreat. Maryalice was asked to include these in the cover email for HQ Happenings.
Recruiting candidates for Governor’s appointment consideration. The open seats were reviewed. Jenni will connect with someone who might fit one of the seats. John will consult with Susan Hammond for recommendations for the Native American seat. Two AmeriCorps Alums have expressed interest and Maryalice was authorized to follow up with them. Sue will reach out to someone who was a panelist at a conference and works with AARP. That leaves several seats to recruit. Need a reminder to board members. The goal is to collect all paperwork by end of June and submit to Governor’s Office so clearances can be done on time for September swearing in.
Future liaison to Foundation. With the change in officers, Celeste becomes the liaison to the Foundation as the immediate past chair. John will meet with her to brief her on their business.
Federal updates. The federal agency made a final decision on June 2 regarding the proposal to extend Healthy Acadia for a year using LearningWorks funds. They rejected the proposal. The funds will be used at their level to fund a program in another state. Regarding ARP monies, only two pieces of information have been shared. The living allowance for AmeriCrops members will only go up to $16,000 (still not minimum wage equivalent for Maine) and the cost per MSY will go up to $20,000. The amount of funding and policies around use have not been announced. There is no ETA for the information but it is looking like it will be July or later. Several unfunded programs would be in closeout by then.
ASC organized virtual Hill Day. Members discussed participation and decided to hold off. There has been a lot of communication with Congressional representatives recently. They are quite aware of Maine needs and programs. Our usual in-person meetings are scheduled for early 2022.
Governor’s Service Awards. Governor Mills will present the awards this year! Great news. Kelsey has submitted all information to her office. The Commissioners are asked to attend and it will be virtual. The date is June 21 from 6 to 7 pm.
Task Force updates. Communications is meeting later in the week. Grant Selection and Performance will also meet later in the week.
There being no other discussion items, the members dispersed at 3:48 pm.