Apply to the FUSION: Bangor Steering Committee!

FUSION: Bangor is governed by a volunteer Steering Committee. Members are made up of involved residents from the Greater Bangor region who represent a range of local businesses, industries, and interests. Steering Committee members are all involved with a subcommittee and have been previously involved with FUSION: Bangor programs & events. They look forward to welcoming you at the next FUSION: Bangor event!

JOIN A SUBCOMMITTEE

FUSION: Bangor has the following subcommittees that support the efforts of the Steering Committee: Events, Community, Sports, and Marketing. If you are new to FUSION and would like to get involved by joining one of these subcommittees, please fill out the form here:

Maria Andrew, Chair (Cross Insurance agency)

Maria is so excited to be starting her second year of FUSION! Currently, she works at Cross Insurance Agency here in Bangor, ME as a Legal Department Coordinator, where she gets to work with the executives and attorneys to help keep Cross running!

Outside of work, Maria’s hobbies include exercising, cooking, reading, hiking during the summer, watching the latest hit tv show or movie, and of course spending time with family and friends. She currently resides in Hampden with her boyfriend and their cat, Misty. Maria’s favorite restaurant is Miguel’s, but Portland Pie is a close second!

Maria was drawn to FUSION because of the people, and how much they do for the Bangor community. She loves volunteering and giving back, and knows that FUSION is extremely generous when doing so for our area and its young professionals.

“I joined FUSION so that not only I would be apart of this special group, but also in hopes that I can get others to love the Bangor area as much as I do!”

Maria’s favorite quote is: “Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” – Malala Yousafzai

Zack Haynes, Vice Chair (Bar Harbor Bank & Trust)

Zack has been a member of Fusion since 2022. Since graduating from the University of Maine, he has spent nearly 10 years in various roles in the banking sector. Currently, Zack manages two of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Bangor offices. A Bangor native, Zack currently resides in Hampden with his husband Cody and their five (yes, five) cats.

Outside the office, you may catch Zack at one of his favorite local spots, namely Paddy Murphy’s, Mason’s, or Timber. You can also catch him walking the trails of the Bangor City Forest on a sunny day. He enjoys traveling, hiking, and reading. 

Zack joined Fusion to get more involved in his community. He started out on the Events subcommittee, on which he still sits. He joined the Steering Committee in 2023 and enjoys being a part of Fusion’s mission to make the Bangor area Maine’s preferred place to live, work, and play. 

One of Zack’s favorite quotes is “Things do not happen- things are made to happen.” -JFK

Victoria Pereira, Past Chair (Husson University)

Victoria is a member of the FUSION Steering Committee and has been involved in the FUSION community since early 2022. Victoria resides in Bangor after relocating from Massachusetts to accept a position with Husson University. She is originally from Rhode Island.

At Husson, Victoria works in the Office of Advancement as the Director of Annual Giving. In her role, she has the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with
alumni and friends to support the University's mission and students! Outside her role at Husson, Victoria loves to travel and explore new places. A huge bucket list item for her is to visit all seven continents - only three more to go! She is also excited to check out the outdoor activities that Maine has to offer, like hiking and skiing! You may be able to find Victoria at Paddy Murphys,
Harvest Moon or Umami while she grabs a bite to
eat!

Victoria was interested in joining FUSION upon her recent move to Maine. She was involved in a similar organization in Massachusetts and was hoping to join another young professionals group! She truly believes in supporting others and coming together as a community for the great good. She is passionate about giving back to her community and is looking forward to a future with FUSION!

Victoria's favorite quote is by Walter Bagehot and states: "The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do."

Kali Boulier (Machias Savings Bank)

Kali has been a member of the FUSION Steering Committee for three years and works at Machias Savings Bank as AVP, Talent Acquisition.

Kali’s primary hobbies include reading and gardening around her home in Hampden where she resides with her husband, daughter, and pets.

Kali is not originally from the Bangor area. FUSION offered her a space to become a larger part of the community and meet like minded individuals! At the time Kali joined FUSION, most events were at a standstill but she says that the Ice Bar has definitely been her favorite even thus far!

Kali’s favorite quote is “It always pays to dwell slowly on the beautiful things – the more beautiful the more slowly.” – Atticus.

Stephen speronis (Northeast credit union)

Stephen has been a member of the FUSION Steering Committee since 2020, and previously served as Treasurer for two years. Stephen Speronis is a Product Manager at Northeast Credit Union, where he leads enhancement of Digital and Core Banking experiences with the Credit Union! Stephen is also invested in the continued growth and development of the Bangor region through his real estate portfolio.

Stephen’s hobbies include playing basketball and weightlifting. He also enjoys reading and traveling in his spare time! You might be able to find him at his favorite local spots like Mason’s or Geaghan’s. Or, he just might be spending time around town with his girlfriend, Maria.

Stephen wanted to join FUSION to build his network in the community which stemmed from inspiration from previous and current FUSION and Chamber members who have been so influential in the Greater Bangor area. Special shoutouts to Lee Speronis, Jaclyn Fish, and Kayla Dunn! Before joining FUSION, Stephen did have the opportunity to attend the amazing end-of-year Extravaganza event in the fall of 2019. He notes that it was truly fantastic to see and meet all of the people involved in building a community that people what to live, work and play in!

Stephen’ motto: “If you can wait 90 days for a result, you can win. If you can wait a year, you can win big. If you can wait a decade, you can be the best. If you can wait a lifetime, you can change the world .” - Alex Hormozi

Paul berube, fusion Development Chair (maine savings federal credit union)

Paul has been a member of FUSION since 2022. Paul works as Mortgage Loan Officer, at the Maine Savings Federal Credit Union, located on Broadway in Bangor.

Paul fills his time with many hobbies such as reading and spending time with friends and family. Paul has an 8-year-old pug, that runs the house. Paul’s favorite place to eat is Blaze - where else can you get such amazing pizza, mac and cheese, and be surrounded by great company?

Paul joined FUSION for the ability to network and connect with like-minded folks and also to promote Bangor all of the fantastic things that happen around the city.

Paul’s motto? “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” — Paulo Coelho

Melissa Bucholz (Catholic Charities Maine)

Melissa has been a member of the FUSION steering committee starting in 2023. She works as the Bangor Site Manager for the Refugee and Immigration Program at Catholic Charities Maine. Her work involves helpings refugees who are resettled in the area get connected to core services and help guide them on the path to integration and self-sufficiency. She lives and works in Bangor's neighbor town, Brewer.

In her free time, Melissa loves hiking, sports, and any adrenaline-type of activity. Beyond that, hanging out with friends and exploring local sports such as Mason's, Orono Brewing Company, or Nocterum. Melissa's grandeur passion is traveling, she has been to over 34 countries and has lived in 7 countries in 4 continents.

When researching about Bangor before she moved, she had already discovered FUSION and their mission within the larger Bangor area. Melissa's interest in joining FUSION was due to their emphasis of making Bangor a thriving place to live, work, and play in Bangor. As a recent new Mainer, she wanted to connect with other professionals in the area, making FUSION an ideal organization to get involved with. She hopes to spread the welcoming and hospitality spirit that FUSION provided her when arrived in Bangor.

Melissa's favorite quote is from French poet Jacques Delille, "le bonheur le plus doux est celui qu'on partage."

blake dyer-LaPointe (first national bank/investment services)

Blake is new to the FUSION Steering Committee but has been a member of FUSION for 3 years and the FUSION Marketing Chair for 2022/2023. Blake works at First National Bank and First National Investment Services as a Financial Advisor. 

Blake’s hobbies include spending time with her dogs and husband, enjoying her Peloton or cooking up something good to eat! She resides in Levant and enjoys her small commute outside of town to have peace and quiet at home! Blake’s favorite local restaurants are Queen City Cinema Club and The Lazy Hound. 

Blake is originally from the Dover-Foxcroft area and graduated from the University of Maine in Orono. Once she graduated, she wanted to begin her career in the Greater Bangor area. Blake has a background in retail banking and real estate title work. Blake loves FUSION for the professional networking, personal friendships and difference that she can make in the community! 

“You don’t have to, you get to.” - Jess Sims

Chris Hill (Eastern Area Agency on Aging)

Chris has been a member of Fusion since May of 2023 and is in his first year as a member of the Steering Committee. He joined Eastern Area Agency on Aging as the Communications and Development Director in the spring of 2023 and joined Fusion as a way to push himself outside his comfort zone, network and meet other business leaders in the greater Bangor area.

Chris’ background has predominantly been in communications and marketing. He spent nearly 10 years in intercollegiate athletics capped off with a stint as the Assistant Athletic Director for Fan Experience at the University of Maine. You may have seen him running around making sure the marching band is on the field at the right time at football games or seen him overseeing on-ice promotions at Alfond during hockey games.

After deciding that the hectic schedule of athletics was no longer for him, he made the jump to non-profit work, joining Penobscot Community Health Care in 2020 and then transitioning to Eastern Area Agency on Aging in 2023.

Chris is super passionate about using his talents to help his community in his work and has loved the change to non-profit work.

Outside of work, Chris is married to his wife of six years, Brittany, and has two cats (Darby and Cheerio) and two dogs (Foley and Frankie). When it’s football season Chris is usually heard lamenting how bad the Buffalo Bills are and out of season he’s probably enjoying the Maine outdoors as much as he can.

Chris’ favorite motto that he heard from a professor in college that he lives by is: “90 percent of life is just showing up”. 

Rebecca Jones (UpStart Maine, Inc.)

Rebecca is a dynamic, forward-thinking, and highly personable professional who believes in the power of collaboration, communication, and negotiation for achieving positive outcomes. With a passion for supporting the growth and expansion of innovative startups and entrepreneurs, she currently serves as a Senior Program Manager at UpStart Maine, where she leads and manages strategic programs.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Rebecca is a self-proclaimed foodie and enjoys cooking cuisines from around the world. She sees it as a way to travel without ever having to leave her backyard. Additionally, she finds great joy in sailing along the beautiful Maine Coast throughout the summer.

Rebecca recently joined the Fusion Bangor Steering Committee and is excited about connecting with others and sharing the wonderful opportunities that Bangor has to offer. She is dedicated to working with professionals in the region and believes in the potential of building strong networks to create meaningful impact.

In both her personal and professional life, Rebecca lives by the quote, "What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." This mindset drives her commitment to continuous growth, fostering connections, and making a positive difference in the world.

Macie Melvin, Marketing Chair (chez renee team - realty of maine)

Macie has been a member of FUSION for 3 years and is the Chair of FUSION’s Marketing Committee. She currently works at Realty of Maine for the Chez Renee Team as an Associate Broker!

Originally from Dexter, Macie enjoys everything about living in Maine all year long! Her hobbies include spending time with her friends and family, watching sports and snuggling with her cat Biscuit. In 2020, Macie bought her first investment property which doubled as her first home in the Bangor Area. As an Associate Broker with her own personal experience behind her, Macie can assist anyone looking to buy or sell real estate.

Macie loves FUSION’s connectivity with local businesses, creating new friends through networking, and overall making a difference in the community she now calls home.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” ―Chinese Proverb

Matty Miles (The County Federal Credit Union)

Matthew joined the FUSION Steering Committee in 2023!

Matthew works as a Member Relationships Specialist for The County Federal Credit Union located in Old Town. Matt also has a background in banking and construction. Matthew grew up in Old Town and enjoys any opportunity engaging with his community. 

Matthew’s primary hobby is spending his time with his dogs; they are his pride and joy. He also loves spending time with his family and friends. In the summer, you can often find him with both the top and doors off his jeep and the music turned up. Matthew is often out on the water in his kayak, camping, having a fire with friends or grilling at home. Matthew loves to cook or have dinner out with friends and family.

Matthew has always wondered, like many of us, about how he can make the world a better place and how he can help his community grow. Through the years, he has seen the City of Bangor develop into an amazing metropolis! Having done a lot of traveling, Matthew knows how special Maine and the members of Maine communities really are! As a Mainer, you just stand out from the rest of the world! He is happy to call Maine home and help many others call Maine home as well!

His favorite motto is: “Be the person your dog thinks you are.”

jennifer munson, events committee chair (cole land transportation museum)

Jennifer is a new member of the FUSION Steering Committee, joining in 2024. She is also the new chair of FUSION’s Events Committee. Originally from Springfield, Maine, Jennifer is the Director of the Cole Land Transportation Museum. She showcases a passionate drive to celebrate and illuminate the rich tapestry of Maine’s transportation history. A proud alumna of the University of Maine, she obtained her BA in History in 2020 and is on the cusp of defending her thesis for her M.A. this spring.

She has notably published two significant papers. Her first publication, titled
“The Dieppe Raid:

Avoidable Disaster or Lesson in Amphibious Assault?” delves deep into the intricacies of the Dieppe Raid during WWII. Her second work, “Publicity and Tourism: The Maine State Government’s Response to the Great Depression,” sheds light on Maine’s adaptive strategies during one of America’s most challenging economic periods.

Now stepping into an additional role as the Events Committee Chair for FUSION: Bangor, she hopes to use her experience at the museum, as well as her dedication to her community, to inspire others to join.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys traveling with her boyfriend Riley. Some of her favorite destinations include Prince Edward Island, Washington D.C., and Dubai. Jennifer enjoys meeting new people and sharing new experiences with others. She is excited to see what differences she can make with FUSION.

Her favorite quote is, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Deven Soondar (Rudman Winchell)

Deven is a recent addition to both Fusion and the state of Maine, and he is thrilled to be part of this outstanding organization. Originally from Florida, Deven completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of South Florida before pursuing law school in New Hampshire. At USF, he double majored in political science and religious studies with a minor in economics. While working on his Master’s in religious studies, Deven served as a teaching assistant as he studied the intersections of religion with various aspects of life, including politics, urban planning, food sovereignty, and environmentalism.

Deven obtained his law degree from Franklin Pierce (UNH) School of Law and has been admitted to the Maine State Bar. Throughout law school, he actively participated in clubs and organizations such as the Environmental Law Club, the Sports Club, and held the role of treasurer in the Student Bar Association. Deven frequently assumed leadership positions and organized events. He also gained valuable experience by interning with the Broward County Public Defender and as a student attorney at the New Hampshire Public Defender.

Currently, Deven is a member of Rudman Winchell, where he specializes in all areas of litigation, including criminal defense. When he's not otherwise preoccupied with basketball, TV, movies, video games, or working out, you can often find him in the many restaurants of the Bangor region.

Deven’s favorite quote is “You are the universe experiencing itself” – Alan Watts

Victoria Sorrentino Community Committee Chair (northern light eastern maine medical center)

Victoria Sorrentino has been a member of the FUSION Steering Committee since 2023 and currently serves as FUSION: Bangor’s Community Committee Chair. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Victoria fell in love with the Bangor area after graduating from the University of Maine in 2018 and remained in the area. Currently, Victoria is a philanthropy officer at the Northern Light Health Foundation, focusing on children’s services at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.

In addition to serving as Community Chair, and on the Steering Committee, Victoria is a graduate of the Bangor Region Leadership Institute and currently serves on the BRLI Alumni Committee. On her days off, Victoria loves snuggling with her rescue cat, Loki, and enjoys exploring the beauty our great state of Maine has to offer.

Victoria joined FUSION to engage with other rising professionals, connect with like-minded individuals, and transform her local community. Victoria is passionate about giving-back to her community and is determined to make Bangor a better place to live, work, and play.

Victoria lives life by the quote: “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always right to do what is right.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ryan Tribou, Sports Chair (gifford electric)

Ryan joined the FUSION Steering Committee in 2023 and is starting his tenure as the Sports Committee Chair in 2024.

A native of Aroostook County, Ryan graduated from Husson University in 2018 with a BS in Communications. Following graduation he went on to work for a sound reinforcement company. There he toured globally with musical artists Queen and Adam Lambert as well as the Jonas Brothers. 

In 2020 Ryan relocated to Hampden and currently works for Gifford Electric as a Journeyman Electrician and foreman. He also owns and operates his business RT Property Services, LLC.

Ryan was attracted to FUSION for the ability to network with other professionals in the area and learn more about different industries. The relationships he has built through FUSION are invaluable and have helped him grow in his career. 

In his free time Ryan enjoys making music, kayaking, golfing, water skiing, and cruising around the Bangor area in his family’s Model A. Ryan is also a member of the Hampden Planning Board, the Husson University Alumni Board, Mystic Lodge #65, and the Anah Shrine.

Ryan’s favorite quote is by Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”