Board Members

Becky joined the Island Connections board in 2018 and became treasurer in 2019. She graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in accounting and became a CPA. As a stay-at-home mom with two boys, Becky became an active volunteer in the communities where she and her husband, Doug, have lived. They retired to Bar Harbor and have lived year-round here for over six years.

Jill and her family have been summer residents of Bar Harbor since 2007 when she and her husband bought a house in the fall of 2006.

When the opportunity to be a volunteer driver for the Island Connections program arose in 2008 she began helping out as a driver and then as part of the board for what her mother in -law describes as a "True Gem" of the MDI community". When not volunteering, Jill enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking throughout the Acadia National Park area with her husband and two black labs.

From the late 70s to the early 80s, my husband and I lived in Bangor. Rick worked on a rural road research project, and I for the American Red Cross Blood Services. Our work took us to communities throughout Maine. We loved it all, but Mount Desert Island was very special to us. When I retired from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in 2017, Maine was where we wanted to be. In my 35-year career, I worked in public health, and a variety of nonprofit, health care, and academic settings. In retirement, I wanted to continue to contribute to my community. Island Connections provides a vital service to its neighbors, and I am delighted to be a part of its effort.

As Friends of Acadia's Conservation Director, Stephanie Clement oversees FOA's programs staff and has primary responsibility for advocacy, transportation, and resource management work. She serves as part of FOA's management team and works with FOA's Acadia Experience Task Force, Wild Gardens of Acadia volunteers, and the Wild Acadia working group. She also serves on the boards of directors for the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Island Connections, and Downeast Transportation, the operator of the Island Explorer bus system. She received fellowships from the Quebec Labrador Foundation in 1998 and 2010 to share the friends group/protected area partnership model with conservation organizations in the Middle East. She graduated from Colby College with a B.A. in Biology/Environmental Studies in 1992 and from the University of Vermont with an M.S. in Natural Resources Planning in 1998.

After a 38 year career in Accounting and Finance, my wife and I retired to Bar Harbor and now reside here full time. We had been coming to MDI for a long time as we have family here and have always loved the area and Acadia National Park. One of the first organizations I got involved in after hearing about all the wonderful things they do was Island Connections. I started as a volunteer driver, then joined the Programs Committee and now am pleased to serve as a member of the board.

Debby moved full time to MDI in 2015. She and her husband Rick have owned a home here since 1995. Debby is grateful to be able to live here and enjoy all that MDI has to offer. She is happiest being outside, biking, hiking, boating, gardening or playing golf. In her former life, Debby owned a coffee, sandwich shop in Massachusetts and volunteered with many community organizations. She is now actively involved with the Bar Harbor Garden Club. Being on the Island Connections board is a wonderful way to give back to the community.

David and his family moved from the Washington, DC area to Maine early in 2002. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Stonier Graduate School of Banking at University of Pennsylvania. He started volunteering as a driver for Island Connections in 2022 and has served on the Island Connections Board since 2023. He is a strong believer in helping and serving the community. In his spare time, David enjoys nature photography, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with his wife and their puppy.

Sydnie's roots extend deep into the heart of Downeast Maine, where she spent her formative years. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from the University of Maine and upon graduation, ventured to New York, immersing herself in the dynamic realms of both fashion and school administration.

After a period of exploration in Burlington, VT, Sydnie made a deliberate choice to return to Maine in 2018. Armed with a wealth of knowledge in administrative and logistical processes, she eagerly joins our team, driven by a passion to contribute to an organization dedicated to fostering the thriving of community members.

Growing up in Down east Maine instilled in Sydnie a profound sense of community stewardship, a value that has remained integral to her identity. Today, she resides in Sullivan with her husband, two little ones
Margaux and Liam
alongside their furry companions: Suki, the dog, and two feline friends, Wiggles and Marilyn. Beyond her professional pursuits, Sydnie treasures every moment spent with her family, relishing opportunities to embrace the natural beauty of Maine through outdoor escapades.