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 organization’s 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

Interim Chair – Andrew Anderson, Ph.D.
Professor of Technology, University of Southern Maine

Dr. Andrew Anderson is currently a Professor of Technology 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.

Jim Cook
K-6 Math Specialist, RSU 54
Jim Cook is currently the K-6 Math Specialist for RSU 54/ MSAD 54 school district, providing professional development for teachers in his district. Jim taught grades 5-8 from 1983 to 2004. In 1997, he received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching. He received a master’s degree in science education from U. Maine in 1990 and is currently working toward a Masters degree in K-6 Mathematics. He served as president of the Maine Science Teachers Association and worked with Page Keeley at MMSA as the Christa McAuliffe Fellow in 1999.

Jeffrey Hecker, Ph.D.
Provost, University of Maine
Jeffrey Hecker received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UMaine in 1986 after earning the B.S. degree (Phi Beta Kappa) in Liberal Arts and Sciences (Psychology) from the University of Illinois. He joined the UMaine faculty 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 more recently on risk assessment for people who have committed sexual offenses, including adolescents. He is the author of two books and scores of journal articles and presentations. A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Hecker has extensive experience in providing research and clinical consultation to the Maine Department of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Services; and as mental health consultant to the Penobscot Job Corps Center and Penquis CAP Head Start, both in Bangor.

He advanced through the academic ranks to Professor of Psychology, chairing the Department of Psychology from 2002-07. In 2007, he was named Interim Dean and, a year later, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Hecker became the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost in September 2013. As Provost, Dr. Hecker is responsible for all academic programs. He is primarily concerned with creating rich learning experiences for all UMaine students both in and out of the classroom. He is responsible for advancing UMaine’s research and public service missions as well and believes that the university’s tripartite mission is best accomplished when student learning, creation of new knowledge, and public service are fully integrated.

Kevin London
Fairchild Semiconductor (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.

Margo Murphy
Camden Hills Regional High School
Margo is a teacher at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport. She currently teaches freshman in Global Science, an integrated core science class aligned with NGSS and an elective course focused on sustainable agriculture, horticulture, and gardening. She also serves as advisor to an active group of students, the Windplanners, that are focused on moving their school campus towards becoming carbon neutral. Margo has served on numerous local and state committees, and Academies Teacher Advisory Council. In 2003, she became a national board certified teacher in earth science, and she received the presidential award for excellence in mathematics and science teaching in 1994.

Janet Sortor, Ph.D.
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 master’s degree from Boston University; and bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Sortor served as a Vista Volunteer in Kansas City, KA prior to graduate school, during which time she taught math to drop out and push out students from the Kansas City Schools, and developed an early awareness of the importance of math literacy and the consequences of the lack thereof. Throughout her career she has worked to strengthen math and science preparation and the general education foundation of all students as critical skills for success in STEM and technical fields. She serves on the board of the Friends of Casco Bay and MMSA. Dr. Sortor enjoys fly fishing and is an ardent cook and gardener.

Ruth Kermish-Allen, Ex-Officio Member

MMSA Board Advisors

Orrin Shane
Downeast Museum Services