Volunteer Maine Executive Committee Meeting
5/5/2026 – 10:00 AM
Commissioners in Attendance: Pam Proulx-Curry, Bill Guindon, Luke Shorty, Kelsey Preecs, Celeste Branham
Staff in Attendance: Brittany Gleixner-Hayat
I. General Updates and Planning
Public Information Officer Recruitment
· Final round interviews underway (2 candidates).
· Two candidates withdrew, one citing salary concerns.
· Hiring decision expected soon.
AmeriCorps Senior Program Officer Role
· Reclassification approved as Senior Contract Manager.
· Recruitment to begin imminently.
· Role emphasizes collaborative grantee relationships and program oversight.
AmeriCorps Grantmaking & Grant Management Review (ASC Scopes of Work)
· Two scopes of work developed:
- Policy and procedures review (compliance, best practices, strengths).
- Technical assistance and evaluation support for grantees.
· Consultant will provide recommendations and revised materials.
· Timeline extends through late summer/early fall.
Volunteer Generation Fund Application
· Submitted for ~$300,000 over 3 years.
· Focus: food security in rural/underserved communities.
· Proposal includes regional volunteer coordination infrastructure.
Volunteer Pipelines (SNAP/MaineCare Recipients)
· Collaboration with Office of Family Initiatives underway.
· Goal: create centralized volunteer coordination hub.
· First partner call scheduled for May 18.
· VISTA position planned to support coordination (application due June 1).
Speaking Engagements
· Keynote delivered at Brunswick Area Volunteerism Collaborative event (~150 attendees).
· Additional outreach ongoing (Rotary Clubs, regional collaboratives).
LD 1433 Report
· Report submitted and published.
· Some stakeholder feedback received (University of Maine).
· Response will acknowledge feedback and invite future engagement.
· Report concludes Higher Education Corps not currently viable without additional resources.
II. Task Force Updates
GSAs (Governor’s Service Awards)
· $11,600 raised; event costs reduced.
· Brig. Gen. Dunn confirmed as speaker.
· Volunteer roles largely filled; minor gaps remain.
· Accessibility accommodations incorporated.
· Governor unavailable; no confirmation of message.
· Tribute to John Portela included in program.
Public Policy
· No update.
Finance
· Committee clarified scope: financial oversight, planning, and strategy support.
· Will assist with multi-year financial planning and MOU development with MVF.
· Monthly financial reporting to be implemented.
Maine Volunteer Foundation (MVF)
· New board member recruited: Josh Steimer.
· Anticipated to strengthen business and philanthropic connections.
Service Programs
· Focus on upcoming conference planning.
· RFP for session proposals in development.
IEA
· No additional update.
Grant Selection and Performance
· No update; meeting scheduled.
State Service Strategy
· Process ongoing; no immediate action needed from Executive Committee.
III. Adjournment
· Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:44 AM.