Current BOV Membership
Shenna Bellows
(2021-2024 1st term)
Manchester ME, 04351
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows is Maine’s 50th Secretary of State, sworn into her first two-year term in the position on Jan. 4, 2021. Secretary Bellows is Maine’s first female Secretary of State.
Secretary Bellows previously served two terms in the Maine Senate from 2016-2020, representing 11 towns in southern Kennebec County. In the Maine Senate, she served as Senate Chair of the Labor and Housing Committee and served on the Judiciary Committee. She was a 2020 presidential elector in the Electoral College.
Secretary Bellows most recently led the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine as executive director from 2018 to 2020. Previously, she owned Bellows & Company, a non-profit consulting business, where she worked with organizations such as the Sierra Club’s Maine Chapter, Consumers for Affordable Healthcare and the Maine Women’s Lobby. She also served as interim executive director of LearningWorks. In 2014, Secretary Bellows was the Democratic nominee for United States Senate in Maine.
From 2005 to 2013, Secretary Bellows was executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. She was a member of the first Right to Know Advisory Committee and the Maine Freedom of Information Coalition. She served on the Executive Committee of the 2009 and 2012 ballot campaigns to pass marriage equality in Maine, and co-chaired a successful 2011 statewide ballot campaign to restore same-day voter registration. She was an original member of the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting.
Currently, Secretary Bellows is serving on the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Elections Committee, Business Services Committee, Cybersecurity Committee, Awards Committee and International Relations Committee.
Secretary Bellows grew up in Hancock and is a graduate of Ellsworth High School. She holds a B.A. in International Politics and Economics from Middlebury College. She volunteered with the Peace Corps in Panama and AmeriCorps VISTA in Nashville, Tennessee.
Secretary Bellows lives with her husband, Brandon, in Manchester, where she serves on the Manchester Conservation Commission.
Soumia Tber
(Term expires 2026 – 1st Term)
Augusta, ME 04330
Soumia Tber is the Director of Statewide Payroll in the Office of the State Controller. Soumia previously served as Officer in Charge of legal matters in Morocco.
Soumia also leads the Board of Directors of the Capital Area New Mainers Project. Their work focuses on embracing immigrants as ‘New Mainers’ who bring much-needed diversity, energy and vitality to our area. With robust programs and a strong network of volunteers, the CANMP aims to cultivate personal relationships within the region, meet immigrant needs and educate the broader community about diverse cultures and immigration issues.
Soumia earned her Bachelor’s Degree in private law in 1998. She also earned degrees in business administration and computer science.
Laura Fortman
(2021-2024 1st term)
Nobleboro ME, 04555
Commissioner Fortman is responsible for labor standards enforcement, employment and training programs, unemployment insurance, labor market information, and vocational rehabilitation services. Fortman brings more than 20 years of public policy and advocacy experience to the Department of Labor, which she also led under Governor John Baldacci from 2003 to 20011. Fortman also served as Deputy Administrator for the Wage and Hour Division at the U.S. Department of Labor from 2013 to 2017, where she was responsible for enforcing our nation’s most fundamental labor standards, including requirements for minimum wage, payment of overtime, prohibitions on child labor, the right to take leave under the Family Medical Leave Act, worker protections in immigration-related programs, such as our H-visa programs, and government contracting programs.
Tom Keller
(2021-2024 2nd term)
Augusta ME, 04330
Thomas E. (Tom) Keller is Founder and Director of STEM Education Strategies LLC. He was a Senior Research Scientist at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine, leading projects in K-12 computer science education, and in school and out of school science learning. He has been principal investigator or co-principal investigator on several grants from the National Science Foundation and Maine Department of Education. He was the first Executive Director of the Maine STEM Council.
Tom was a senior program officer with the National Research Council’s (NRC) Board on Science Education where he co-directed development of the Framework for K-12 Science Education. In 2007, while a program officer at the NRC, he directed the development of the award-winning Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments report. In addition, he has held several positions in K-12 education in Maine, including high school teacher, director of instruction, university faculty, and eighteen years as state science supervisor for the Maine Department of Education. He served a term as president of the National Council of State Science Supervisors and of the Maine Curriculum Leaders Association. He has an Ed.D. in science education from the University of Massachusetts and a B.S. in zoology from Texas A&M University.
Tom’s interests in education today include advocating for Early College, expanding opportunities for learning for all students, and improving teaching and learning from PreK through college.
Patricia Bernier
(Term expires 2026 – 1st Term)
North Waterboro, ME, 04330
Patricia Bernier is the Senior Vice President of Information Systems at Bath Savings Institution in Bath Maine. Patricia has over 32 years’ experience in the financial services sector. In her position, Patricia oversees the Information Systems and Cybersecurity components of the Bank.
Patricia is an active member of InfraGard and a former board member of InfraGard Maine. InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector for the protection of the United States Critical Infrastructure. Patricia is an active member of FS-ISAC which is a global cyber intelligence sharing organization. Patricia is an active member of the Maine Bankers Association and a member of their Information and Cybersecurity committee.
Patricia has her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s College of Maine. Patricia was also an instructor for the Center for Financial Training & Education Alliance (CFTEA). Patricia has a high regard for education as well as continuing education which she promotes through her professional and private life.
Randall Liberty
(2021-2024 1st term)
Clinton ME, 04927
Commissioner Randall Liberty was hired by the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office in 1989 as a Deputy Sheriff. Over twenty-six years, he served as a Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Major, Chief Deputy and as the elected Sheriff for nine years. During his tenure as Sheriff, he focused his efforts on Justice Involved Military Veterans, Drug Enforcement, and the treatment of Addiction. He assisted Military Veterans in their transition from the battlefield through advocacy, programming and Veterans Court. He served as the President of the Maine Sheriffs Association, as the Chairman of the Maine Drug Enforcement Advisory Board and on the Board of Visitors at the University of Maine (Augusta).
In addition to his active duty service as a Military Policeman in Korea, Warden Liberty performed an additional twenty-one years in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves. During this time, he served as a Mountain Infantryman in Italy, as a Drill Sergeant, and as an Instructor at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. Liberty’s last assignment was in 2004 as the Command Sergeant Major of a Military Transition Team, imbedded with 772 Iraqi Infantryman in the City of Fallujah.
Liberty is a three time State of Maine Law Enforcement Officer of the year. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the National Sheriffs Leadership Institute and the New England Chiefs of Police Command Course. He earned a Masters in Management and Leadership from Liberty University and a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Maine (Augusta). Liberty formerly served as the Warden of the Maine State Prison. He was appointed as the Commissioner of Corrections for the State of Maine, by Governor Janet Mills in 2019.
Jennifer Riggs (Vice Chair)
(2021-2024 2nd term)
Augusta ME, 04330
Jennifer L. Riggs, MSN, RN, is the Chief Nursing Officer for MaineGeneral Medical Center and the CEO for MaineGeneral Community Care. She spearheads the organization’s nearly 1,600 nursing team members, overseeing nursing practice across all of MaineGeneral Health with responsibility for Nursing, Care Management, Radiology, Cardiology, Emergency and Surgical Services, HomeCare & Hospice, and Behavioral Health Services.
As a member of the health system executive team, she supports and facilitates an interdisciplinary team approach to the delivery of care. This includes creating a nursing environment in which collaboration is valued and excellence in clinical care is promoted and achieved.
Jennifer holds a master’s degree in nursing and healthcare administration from Saint Joseph’s College. She is involved in several industry organizations and non-profits. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Association of Nurse Executives (AONE); the Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA), and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrical and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). She also serves on the Board of Directors for Delta Ambulance and Maine Dartmouth Family Practice Residency.
Richard (Dick) Thompson (Chair)
(2020-2023 2nd term)
Oakland ME, 04963
Dick spent most of his life living and working within the central Maine area. He served as Maine State Government’s Chief Information Officer from 2003 to 2010, responsible for the consolidation and operation of Executive Branch information technology. The organization consisted of 480 employees and an annual IT spend of approximately $155 million. Dick served state government for 34 years, including over twelve years as the State’s Director of Procurement.
He joined the University of Maine System Executive Team on April 1, 2011, as the Chief Information Officer. His responsibilities included the management of information technology across Maine’s 7 public university campuses.
Dick served on the ConnectME Authority, charged with expanding broadband capacity in Maine, serving as Chair under appointment by Governor LePage. He continues to serve as a Commissioner on the Maine Library Commission working with Libraries in support of their important role in citizen access to literacy and use of information technology. Dick also serves as a member and current vice-chair of the Board of Literacy Volunteers of Augusta.
Most recently, Dick was appointed by Commissioner Figueroa to serve as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services with Governor Mills administration, recently returning to retirement, his family, and his volunteer work in the community.
In March 2010, Government Technology Magazine selected Dick as one of the Top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers in the U.S. for his accomplishments in delivering technology and government services to the citizens of Maine. He was awarded the National Association of Chief Information Officers meritorious service award in 2009, and in 1999 the Public Administrator of the Year award by the Maine ASPA and the Giulio Mazzone Distinguished Service award in Public Procurement by the National Association of Procurement Officials.
Dick joined the UMA BOV in 2018, citing his appreciation for and the importance of UMA to the community and his family. Several members of his family have attended and graduated (or will very soon) from UMA!
UMA Board of Visitors
Bylaws
The name of this organization is the University of Maine at Augusta Board of Visitors. It is established pursuant to P&SL 1997, c. 37 as amended by P&SL 2003, c.14. In these Bylaws the University of Maine at Augusta is referred to as UMA and the Board of Visitors is referred to as the Board.
The Board shall:
- Advocate for UMA;
- Raise private funds for UMA;
- Advise the UMA President on community issues and regional needs;
- Review for final recommendation to the University Board of Trustees tuition increases, new academic programs and the 5-year plan of the University; and
- Submit an annual report of its activities to the University Board of Trustees which shall be submitted to the Legislature and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters by the Board of Trustees each January as part of the report required by the Maine Revised Statutes.
Section 1
The Board shall consist of up to twenty (20) members, not including ex-officio, non-voting members, recommended by the UMA President and confirmed by the University Board of Trustees. Membership should reflect the mission of UMA and the regions in which it operates and must demonstrate sensitivity to diversity. The UMA President shall be an ex-officio, non voting member of the Board.
Section 2
The regular term of appointment for appointed members shall be three (3) years and shall expire on July 1st of the appropriate year. In the event of a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of a term, a successor may be appointed to fill the unexpired term. Appointed members may serve a maximum of two consecutive full terms, not counting any initial appointment to fill a partial, unexpired term. A Board member who has termed out may be considered again for appointment to the Board after being off the Board for one (1) year. Members may be appointed for terms of less than three (3) years as necessary to maintain proper staggering of terms.
Section 1
Regular meetings of the Board shall be held quarterly for transacting such business as shall be properly brought before it. Additional meetings outside of the predetermined schedule may be called by the Chair. The last quarterly meeting of the fiscal year ending June 30th of each year shall be considered the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, the Board shall establish a schedule of meetings for the coming year.
Section 2
Appointed members present at any meeting of the Board may vote and shall be entitled to one vote. Unless otherwise set forth in these Bylaws, all votes shall be by affirmation of a majority of members present and voting.
Section 3
Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order Revised to the extent not inconsistent with the requirements of these Bylaws. Meetings of the Board are considered “public proceedings” under Maine law and shall be conducted in accordance with applicable laws.
Section 4
Members of the Board may receive reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses for attendance at Board meetings.
Section 5
The President of UMA, or designee, shall be responsible for maintaining all records and correspondence of the Board and for administering the Board’s finances. The President, or designee, shall also be responsible for ensuring that accurate minutes are kept of all meetings and actions of the Board.
Section 1
At the Annual Meeting, the Board shall elect from among its members a Chair and a Vice-Chair to hold office for the coming year or until their successors are elected and qualified.
Section 2
The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Board. The Chair shall perform all the duties commonly incident to the office and such other duties as the Board shall from time to time designate. The Chair shall work with the President of UMA to establish the Board agenda.
Section 3
The Vice-Chair shall, in the absence of the Chair, preside at meetings of the Board and shall fulfill the other duties of the office of the Chair when the Chair finds it impossible to fulfill them. The Vice-Chair shall perform such other duties as the Board shall from time to time designate.
Section 4
If any office of the Board becomes vacant, the Board may elect a successor to hold office for the balance of the unexpired term.
Section 1
The Board shall have a standing Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) to five (5) Board members appointed annually by the Chair. The Nominating Committee shall nominate candidates for election at the Annual Meeting to the offices of Chair and Vice Chair. Additional nominations from the floor shall be permitted. The Nominating Committee shall also make recommendations to the President of UMA of individuals to fill vacancies on the Board.
Section 2
The Chair may, from time to time, appoint such other standing or ad hoc committees as necessary to carry out the work of the Board. The Chair shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.
Any member or officer of the Board may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President of UMA and the Chair of the Board. The Board may, by majority vote, remove a member if it determines that such member has committed or engaged in any act, omission or other practice which has been or would be detrimental to the best interests of UMA, including lack of consistent performance of a Board member’s duties.
The Board shall adhere to the Conflict of lnterest policies of the University of Maine System. Any Board member with a direct financial interest in a matter to be decided or recommended by the Board shall excuse themselves from participation in any related discussion or vote.
These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board members present and voting at any regular meeting of the Board, provided the proposed amendments have been submitted at a previous meeting of the Board or notice of such amendments has been sent to all Board members at least one month prior to the meeting.
Adopted: September, 1998
Revised: Effective July 1, 2016
Administration of the Board of Visitors is managed by the Office of the President, which is typically open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Office of the President University of Maine at Augusta Alumni Center 46 University Drive Augusta, ME 044330 207-621-3041 Fax: 207-621-3393