Board Member Listing and Affiliation

Larry Sidelinger, President (2021-2024)

Lincoln County Television

Larry is a lifelong native, born and raised in Damariscotta. He recently retired after 30 years in the long haul trucking business. Larry is currently serving as president and executive director of Lincoln County Television, a business serving Lincoln County residents with public access TV. Larry and his bride Sue have five children between them and six grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys playing music and boating.

Debbie Anderson (2021-2024)

Bath Savings

Debbie joined the board in May of 2021, and took over the treasurer’s position soon after. She is the Assistant Branch Manager at the Damariscotta Office of Bath Savings, a mutual savings bank that has been serving Midcoast and Southern Maine for 170 years. Debbie started her career in banking twenty-two years ago as the drive up teller for the Damariscotta Office, and has held various positions over the years assisting both customers and employees. She lives in Bremen with her husband, Bruce and their two children Tasha and Trevor.
Throughout her years with Bath Savings, Debbie has taken many banking courses, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a Concentration in Banking through Saint Joseph in 2016. She is currently working on completing her MBA in Leadership through Saint Joseph, and is on target to graduate in 2023. Debbie enjoys volunteering her time by helping the community at various events throughout the year, and previously served on the board for Healthy Kids; a family resource for child abuse and prevention.
Debbie is looking forward to helping the board restore the old information bureau, and create a new home for the Chamber!

Heather Burt (2022-2025)

Rising Tide Co-Op

Heather passionately believes food businesses are a platform for positive change, community building, and sustainable economic development. Throughout her career she has created ways to find common ground through food to make a difference in people’s lives, culminating in her role as General Manager at Rising Tide Co-op in Damariscotta, Maine.
Her entrepreneurial spirit has fueled her passion over the years. On her journey, Heather was the Executive Director of FARMS and created the FARMS Community Kitchen at Rising Tide Co-op, initiated the Loving Local Meals program in response to the Covid pandemic, established the first Lincoln County Food Council, and owned a vegan café and catering business. All along the way, Heather has been dedicated to listening, collaborating, and leading to positively change people’s lives through food. She believes that coupled with the important work of nonprofits, values-based businesses are a powerful force for building vibrant communities.
Heather is excited to join the board of the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce to help further strengthen and expand partnerships at a business level that bolster a local economy committed to the wellness and success of our community.

Matt Crane (2024 – 2027)

Matt is a Maine native who attended the University of Maine and is married to Mary Sheridan, a veterinarian in Winthrop, and they have a Son, Finn, who is in college studying mechanical engineering. They have always been drawn to the coast and look forward to moving to Boothbay soon. Matt is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones, a leading firm in North America with offices in small communities around the country. While his office is currently in Bath, he will be migrating down east to Damariscotta and will serve folks throughout Lincoln County. He spent the first part of his career in the education and non-profit world working with young people and fundraising. For most of that time he was with Kents Hill School, his alma mater and where his parents worked for forty years. He spent three years at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in their Philanthropy Office. Matt enjoys time outdoors playing golf, skiing, biking, and traveling. He is on the Board at Kents Hill and is involved with w other non-profits in the area.

Heather D’Ippolito (2022-2025)

Director of Community Engagement & Development, Lincoln Academy

Heather joined the Community Engagement and Development Office at Lincoln Academy in January 2020 and became Director of the office in June of 2022. She has spent her career in education, and is particularly passionate about connecting young people to real world learning experiences. A born and raised Mainer, Heather feels very fortunate to call the midcoast home. She lives in Bremen with her husband and her daughter.

Jim Gallagher (2020-2023)

Gallagher, Villeneuve & DeGreer PLLC

Jim Gallagher is a board member having been president of the Damariscotta Region Information Bureau for over twenty years prior to its merger with the Chamber in 2020. Jim is a native of Damariscotta and a semi-retired attorney now working part time for his daughter’s firm Gallagher, Villeneuve and Degeer, PLLP. He served for 20 years as Lincoln County Commissioner and Maine County Commissioner’s Association President for six years. Jim graduated from Castner Grammar School in Damariscotta, Lincoln Academy and MacMurray College (BA, 1972) and holds a Juris Doctor Degree from Washburn University School of Law. Jim continues live in the old family home in Damariscotta with his wife of 52 years Barbara. They have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

Gunnar Gundersen

Hammond Lumber

Gunnar Gundersen, a Maine native through and through, joined the Chamber Board in 2024, bringing with him over 12 years of experience—and a few good lumber puns—from his work with Hammond Lumber. Born and raised in Walpole and a proud Lincoln Academy graduate, Gunnar has deep roots in the community and a strong commitment to supporting local businesses. He’s eager to lend his industry knowledge and sense of humor to the Chamber, working alongside fellow board members to help the Damariscotta Region grow (like a sturdy pine!). When he’s not at work, you’ll find Gunnar playing pool, cruising on his motorcycle, or volunteering with the Sons of the American Legion. He and his wife share their home with two cats, who may or may not run the place.

 

Nicci Kimball

First National Bank of Damariscotta

Nicci Kimball joined the board in October of 2024. She is the Senior Vice President at the Damariscotta Office of First National Bank where she specializes in business financing. She started her career at First National Bank as a high school intern and was given the opportunity to work in a variety of departments over the years. She is currently attending Barret School of Banking, a three-year graduate program at the University of Memphis and is on target to graduate in 2026. Nicci and her husband reside in Boothbay Harbor and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.  She also enjoys running and has finished several half marathons throughout Maine over the past couple of years.

Reven Oliver (2023-2026)

MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital

Reven Oliver joined the Chamber Board in 2023. She was recently named Director of Philanthropy and Development at LincolnHealth. Originally from Wellfleet, Cape Cod, Reven moved to Maine in 2016. She held Development positions with the American Cancer Society of Maine as well as special event positions at Maine Magazine and L.L.Bean. Earlier in her career, she spent five years in a public relations role with the WTA Tour (women’s professional tennis), which required extensive international travel. She lived in Australia for a year while working on the Sydney Olympic Games, she also worked on the Salt Lake City & Athens Olympic Games. Reven moved to Edgecomb in 2023 with her Alaskan Malamute and two cats. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Damariscotta-Newcastle and participates in the LEGS Rotary endeavors. She is excited to join the board of the Damariscotta Region Chamber and is looking forward to becoming actively involved with the community. In her free time, Reven enjoys gardening, cycling and exploring the coast with her dog, Blu.

Melissa Palmer-Karas (2023-2026)

Reny’s

Melissa is a native Mainer and has lived on the midcoast since the late 80’s. She has a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology but believes that personal relationships are the key to success. Melissa has worked professionally for over 30 years, beginning her career at Knox County Head Start as a Family Service Advocate and later transitioned to MBNA. During her twelve years at MBNA she worked in Customer Service, Business Development, Marketing and Event Planning. She has worked with over 60 college and university alumni programs along with other professional groups including some of the following organizations: L.L.Bean, Boston University, Boston College, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, UConn, and the Boston Red Sox, etc. Currently she works for Reny’s and has been there for sixteen years. Melissa is responsible for buying the following items that you see on the Reny’s shelves: cleaning supplies, health and beauty items, seasonal items, and everything for the holidays. You might also recognize her from the Reny’s Maine Adventure commercials! She enjoys anything that involves being outside hiking, gardening, and traveling. Melissa is proud to call Maine home and is looking forward to becoming more involved in the community and knows that the Chamber is a great place to have an impact on the people and businesses that are in the Damariscotta Region.

Leah Puckey (2023-2026)

Dead River Company

Leah, a native of Newcastle, graduated from Lincoln Academy and attended University of Maine at Augusta for Business Administration. She joined the family business after high school, the John A. Puckey Oil Co. in Newcastle becoming chief operating officer. In 2007, her family business merged with Dead River Co. where she proudly works today. Leah has been an EMT with Central Lincoln County Ambulance service for the past 35 years where she was on the board of
directors and held other management positions, and she has also been a member of the Bristol Fire & Rescue team for 30 years as an EMT and secretary. Leah also serves as the secretary for the Lincoln County Fire Chiefs Association and is a member of the Alna Snowmobile Club. Leah has two grown sons Brett & Chad and currently lives in Damariscotta. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, kayaking in the Damariscotta River and snowmobiling at her camps in the mountains of Maine & Montana.

Brynne Whitney (2021-2024)

Bangor Savings Bank

Brynne Whitney is the Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of Bangor Savings Bank in Damariscotta and New Harbor. She has 15+ years of banking experience and helping her customers reach their financial goals. As the Market Manager for Damariscotta and New Harbor, Brynne partners with local businesses and community organizations in the Damariscotta/New Harbor area, along with the surrounding communities. Brynne has been involved in many community organizations. She is currently an Olympia Snowe Leadership Institute advisor at Lincoln Academy, Events Chair for the Chamber, a Damariscotta Pumpkin Fest Volunteer and formulary Secretary for the Alumni Council for Lincoln Academy. A Lincoln County native, Brynne grew up in Round Pond and Damariscotta with strong ties to the fishing community. In her free time, she can be found outdoors with her family and enjoys hiking the many local trails as well as golfing and cooking. Brynne currently lives in Waldoboro with her husband Andrew and two small children, Cash and Violet.

Anne Rundle, MS, RN

Executive Director

Anne Rundle (Anderholm) BA, BS, MS, RN has considered Bristol her home since she was born, having spent all of her summers at Pemaquid Beach. In 2022, Anne and husband Pete, one old dog and two old cats made New Harbor their permanent home. Anne was a public health nurse for almost thirty years, having obtained Nursing and Master’s degrees from Simmons University. She most recently worked for Maine CDC, managing public health nurses from Bath to Belfast.  Anne has been the owner of a small business for 15 years, which included a yoga studio in Massachusetts. She has taught yoga, stress management, health coaching and other wellness courses to businesses and individuals. Here in town, Anne has taught classes at the Y and managed social media for Pumpkinfest ‘24. She is a Board member of Inn Along the Way. You can catch Anne swimming year-round at Little beach with her friends the Pemaquid Mermaids, running or biking Rte 130, writing, or digging in the garden. Anne believes her strengths are in connecting people and forging relationships through excellent communication. She looks forward to bringing these skills, along with lots of energy and humor, to the Chamber. 

Stacy L. DeHart

Office Assistant

Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce & Information Bureau By-Laws

Article I Name
The name of the organization shall be the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce and Information Bureau.

Article II Mission Statement and Purpose
The mission of the Damariscotta Region Chamber of Commerce and Information Bureau (DRCC) is to inform, promote, and support its members in order to enhance the business environment of the Damariscotta Region.

In addition to regional promotion and enhancing the business environment, the DRCC shall serve to protect and preserve the Information Bureau building, any additions to the structure and the grounds it rests on (near intersection of Main and Vine Streets in Damariscotta).

Article III Region Served
The Damariscotta Region consists of the towns in Lincoln County. The DRCC reserves the right to include other nearby communities in its area of operation and to consider them as part of the Damariscotta Region.

 Article IV Membership

1. Any person or entity engaged in business of any kind in the Damariscotta Region may become a regular voting member of the DRCC. Any other resident of the Damariscotta Region may become an associate non-voting member.
2. Applications for membership shall be in writing, on the form provided for that purpose, and signed by the applicant. Membership shall be effective upon acceptance and receipt of dues.
3. The membership fees and policies shall be determined annually by the Board of Directors. Changes in membership fees and policies will be effective at the date set by the Board.
4. Membership will be assessed on an annual basis.
5. Non-payment of dues for over three (3) months will result in loss of membership privileges unless otherwise determined by the Board.
6. The right to vote in DRCC elections is reserved for current dues paying regular members.

 Article V Meetings

1. There shall be an annual meeting of the membership at large of the DRCC during the third quarter of the calendar year at a place to be determined by the Board of Directors.
2. Other meetings of the membership-at-large may be called by the President at such time and place as s/he may determine or by a written request to the President by 10% of the membership at large.
3. The Board of Directors will meet on a monthly basis. An annual Board retreat will be held at a time determined by the Board. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President at any time or by written request of five of the Directors. A majority of the elected Directors constitutes a quorum.
4. Each Board member shall be entitled to three (3) absences from regularly scheduled monthly board meetings during a calendar year, with or without cause. Further absence during such calendar year may result in the termination of that person as a Board member if such additional absence or absences are deemed without cause by a majority vote of the remaining Board members.
5. All meetings of the Board of Directors are open to all members of the DRCC. If needed, the Board may convene in executive session at any meeting. At committee meetings, a majority of committee members constitutes a quorum.
6. All meetings are conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.
7. Decisions by the Board may be overturned by a two thirds vote of the membership at large.

Article VI Governance

1. The governance of the DRCC is vested in the Board of Directors. The Board consists of no less than nine and no more than 15 members who serve without compensation for his/her service.
2. If the Board needs assistance beyond the Board membership, an advisory board may be created. Advisory board/committee members are not allowed voting rights in monthly Board meetings but may be called upon for their expertise and input as the Board deems necessary.
3. Directors will be nominated and elected by the membership each year at the annual meeting. Directors serve three-year terms and may be elected to no more than one additional consecutive three-year term. After one year off the Board a member may be re-nominated.
4. The Board of Directors will assess Chamber operations annually during the annual retreat to ensure that member needs are being met.
5. The Board of Directors may authorize the President to execute documents to borrow money from local financial institutions by a majority vote. The President shall have no individual authority to borrow any amount without specific written authority following a vote of the Board of Directors.

Article VII Officers

1. From among the members of the Board of Directors the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary will be selected. A slate of officers will be presented for the approval of the DRCC membership at the annual meeting. Officers will receive no compensation for their services. Officers serve two year terms or until the end of their term as director, whichever comes first.
2. In the event of the death, resignation, or termination of any Officer or Board member prior to the expiration of his/her term, the Board of Directors may fill the vacancy until the end of the term being filled. Such board member may then be nominated and elected for a full three-year term and one consecutive renewal.
3. The duties of the officers shall be such as general usage would indicate by the titles of the offices and/or may be assigned respectively by the Board of Directors.
4. The Treasurer shall be responsible for overseeing the safeguarding of all funds received by the Chamber and for their proper disbursement. Funds will be kept on deposit in financial institutions approved by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer will provide a monthly report to the DRRC Board of Directors.

Article VIII Responsibilities

1. An Executive Director or other designated functional Director will be employed by the Board of Directors. The Board is charged with all the responsibilities relating to the employment of the Director and s/he is answerable to the Board.
2. The Board of Directors, acting as the representative body of the member-at-large, will determine the policies, programs, and operations of the DRCC. The Executive Director or other functional Director will carry out, administer, and execute these policies, programs, and operations. S/he will report to the Board at its monthly meetings and at other times as necessary or requested.
3. The Executive Director or other functional Director is responsible for and will assist all committees of the DRCC within the framework of his/her duties and responsibilities.
4. The President, assisted by the Executive Director or other functional Director and/or the Board, will appoint all committees including a nominating committee, if utilized.
5. The Board of Directors may create additional paid positions as it deems appropriate and fiscally feasible during the budgeting process to carry out the functions of the DRCC. Additional paid positions will report directly to the Executive Director.
6. In the course of doing business, the DRCC may on occasion require a product or service that is available from a member business (hereafter referred to as “vendor”). In such cases the selection process will be subject to the following: Vendor selection is at the discretion of the Board with appropriate documentation.

Article IX Bylaws Revision

1. DRCC organizational by-laws may be amended by a majority vote of the Board members in good standing at the meeting following the meeting at which the amendments were introduced. Any proposed amendments will be submitted to the Board in writing at least 10 days before the meeting at which they are to be introduced.
2. Any bylaws changes will be ratified by a majority vote at the next annual meeting of the membership at large. If the bylaws changes fail to be ratified, then the changes become null and void as of the date of the annual meeting.