Your help could further MMSA’s vision of a brighter STEM future for the State of Maine and the nation. Today, I ask you to support MMSA and become a part of the movement to support exciting new ways for our youth to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math.
Board of Directors
The purpose of MMSA’s board of directors is to advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of MMSA, so as to support the organizations mission and needs. Board members serve for three years, which may be renewed up to a maximum of three consecutive terms. MMSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
MMSA Board Members
Chair – Jeffery Hecker, Ph.D.
Executive VP for Academic Affairs and Provost, University of Maine Orono
Jeffrey Hecker received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UMaine in 1986 after earning the B.S. degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois. He began at UMaine in 1986 as director of the Psychological Services Center, the training clinic for UMaine’s doctoral program in clinical psychology. Dr. Hecker is a clinical researcher whose work focuses on understanding and treating anxiety, and on risk assessment.
Vice Chair – Margo Murphy
Science Teacher, Camden Hills Regional High School
Margo Murphy is a science teacher at Camden Hills Regional High School (CHRHS), Rockport, ME. She currently teaches Global Science (an integrated freshman foundation course), AP Environmental and an elective course, Sustainable Agriculture. CHRHS serves 700 students from 6 communities. She works with an award winning student group, the Windplanners, focused on long-term sustainability. Successful projects to date include a 100kw wind turbine, 160kw solar array, full LED conversion, and reducing solid waste through extensive composting and recycling.
Past Chair – Andrew Anderson, Ph.D.
Professor of Technology, University of Southern Maine
Dr. Andrew Anderson is currently an emeritus professor at the University of Southern Maine. He previously served as founding dean of USM’s College of Science, Technology and Health. The college included graduate and undergraduate programs in science, mathematics, engineering, nursing, technology, and health. He also served as Associate Dean of the School of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology, and chair of the Department of Technology.
Anita Bernhardt, Ph.D.
Acting Chief Academic Officer, Maine Department of Education
Anita Bernhardt received her Master of Education degree in Teaching and Learning Environments from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1986 after earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bates College. She joined the York School Department in 2016 where she serves as the assistant superintendent.
Jim Cook
K-6 Math Specialist, RSU 54 (Retired)
Jim Cook recently retired as elementary math specialist in MSAD #54. In that role, he oversaw aspects of instruction, curriculum, and assessment for the district’s K-6 teachers. He also worked as a self-contained 5th grade teacher, and as a math and science teacher in grades 6-8. He served for many years on the board of the Maine Science Teachers Association, and he received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Elementary Science Teaching in 1997.
Jenn Gagner, Ph.D.
Research Scientist, IDEXX
Dr. Jennifer Gagner is a native Mainer who graduated from Sanford High School and went on to attend MIT, graduating with a BS in Materials Science & Engineering and went on to receive her PhD in Materials Engineering from RPI. Her research focused on how biomaterials, and this work drew her into a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. She recently joined IDEXX as a Senior Research Scientist in Corporate R&D leading a small team working on new immunoassay technologies.
Anne Gauthier-Maurice
Texas Instruments, Public Affairs Manager (Retired)
Anne recently retired from a long career in the semiconductor industry, working in Maine for Fairchild, National Semiconductor, and Texas Instruments (TI). She held several leadership positions during her work life, including serving as Human Resources Director with the 1995 project team that oversaw the construction, startup and operation of the South Portland National Semiconductor (NSC) wafer fab. She rounded out her career with a decade in Public Affairs with responsibility for Government and Community Relations with NSC and TI. Previously, Anne served on the MMSA Board and has been a member of the STEM Collaborative steering committee since its inception.
Todd J. Griset, Esq.
Partner, Preti Flaherty
Todd J. Griset practices law as a partner with Preti Flaherty’s Energy and Telecommunications practice group. He helps clients make critical decisions on energy and utilities matters. Todd’s clients range from startups to Fortune 500 companies, and include developers and owners of renewable and traditional energy projects, as well as industrial and commercial energy consumers and trade associations. He advises clients on permitting and regulatory affairs, as well as transactions relating to infrastructure, manufacturing and energy assets.
Treasurer – Kevin London
Fairchild Semiconductor, SVP Human Resources (Retired)
Kevin recently retired from Fairchild Semiconductor as SVP of human resources after 34 years in the semiconductor business in a range of responsibilities. Fairchild has 9000 employees in 25 countries.
Secretary – Janet Sortor, Ph.D.
Chief Academic Officer, Southern Maine Community College
Dr. Janet Sortor is the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs at Southern Maine Community College, in South Portland, ME. Dr. Sortor has worked in higher education for over 30 years beginning her career in Boston, MA. She holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Massachusetts; a masters degree from Boston University; and bachelors degree from Eastern Michigan University.