PROPEL

Meet another of our amazing Board members, Dominic Joy!

“I joined PROPEL in 2025 with the primary goal of connecting with more young professionals throughout the state and to find new ways to be involved in the community. I am currently an Underwriter at MEMIC and have been with the company for 5 years. It’s been great working with and partnering with so many great nonprofits around the Portland area and I’m looking forward to working closer with more in the future.

I have a twin brother who is also involved in the community and works as a middle school teacher in Kennebunk. In the summer I love spending time with family and friends at the lake and playing golf!”

We are so happy to have you on our Board, Dominic!

Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Up next for our Board member spotlights is Nick Russo!

Nick is a lifelong Mainer who is passionate about building community through sports. As Director of Ticket Sales and Service for Portland Hearts of Pine, he leads the club’s ticket sales strategy with a focus on creating memorable fan experiences and ensuring the club makes a meaningful impact both on and off the pitch.
As a member of PROPEL, Nick has enjoyed connecting with other emerging leaders who are equally passionate about Maine’s future. The organization has provided opportunities to build meaningful relationships, expand his perspective, and become more engaged in the community he has always called home. He believes strong communities are built through collaboration and is proud to be part of a network that is investing in the next generation of leaders across Greater Portland.

Thank you for all you bring to our Board, Nick!

Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Portland Hearts of Pine

Up next for our Board member spotlights is Teddy Forsley!

"After growing up in Scarborough, earning my
degree from Bryant University, and spending a year in Boston, I returned to Maine and now live
in Portland, where I work in Business Development at a tech startup, Forerunner.

I joined the PROPEL Board because I’m passionate about helping shape a thriving professional community for young people in Greater Portland. Through PROPEL, I’m excited to connect emerging leaders, foster meaningful relationships, and contribute to the region’s continued growth.

Outside of work and community involvement, you’ll usually find me on a golf course, skiing, running, or playing just about any game or sport. I’m passionate about business, partnerships, and bringing people together, and I hope to make a lasting impact on the Portland community by serving others and creating opportunities for those around me. Cheers!”

We’re so grateful for all you bring to our Board, Teddy!

Shamrock Sports & Entertainment
Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Up next for our Board member spotlights is Jake Vanidestine!

Jake is a Portland metro banker, management faculty member at Thomas College, and community leader with a passion for building stronger organizations and developing future leaders. He believes the best ideas come from curiosity, thoughtful questions, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Whether in banking, higher education, or the community, Jake enjoys bringing people together to solve problems and move ideas forward.

When he isn’t working, teaching, or volunteering, you’ll usually find him training for CrossFit or HYROX, or exploring Portland with his husband and Labrador, Nixon.

Thank you for all you contribute to PROPEL, Jake!

Up next for our Board member spotlights is Danielle Violette!

Danielle is a Treasury Management professional with a decade of experience in banking, specializing in cash management, treasury services, and relationship management. She earned her MBA from Husson University and has built her career by combining financial expertise with a passion for helping businesses streamline operations and achieve goals.

Outside of work Danielle is passionate about professional development, community involvement, and networking. She sits as the Treasurer on the PROPEL Board and is also a member of the CFTEA Board.

Thank you for all you’ve done for us and continue to do, Danielle!

Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Next up for our Board member spotlights is Maria Juliette Maffucci!

Maria has proudly served on the PROPEL Board for the past six years and is honored to continue supporting an organization dedicated to developing and connecting Greater Portland’s emerging leaders. She is the past Vice President and the incoming Secretary and has been managing PROPEL’s public relations efforts through social media management and communications, helping to share the organization’s impact with the community.

Professionally, Maria serves as the Traffic Manager & Workflow Coordinator at Daigle Commercial Group, a boutique hospitality brokerage agency, where she manages project workflows and helps keep client deliverables on track. In addition to her work with PROPEL, she serves on several other local boards and committees including the Junior League of Portland, ME and the Maine Women’s Conference. Maria is also a current candidate for Portland City Council At-Large - a decision largely driven by her longtime passion for community engagement and public service.

Maria is incredibly grateful for the relationships, leadership opportunities, and professional growth PROPEL has provided her over the years, and she is excited to help the organization continue to thrive in the years ahead!

Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Junior League of Portland, ME
The Maine Women's Conference

Up next for our PROPEL Board member spotlights is our Vice President, Ethan Shrestha!

Ethan is a Portland native and property manager who oversees housing for a diverse community of residents, including those in market-rate, workforce, and international student housing. He is passionate about strengthening community integration and enhancing the resident experience through meaningful engagement.

Outside of his work in property management and PROPEL, Ethan serves as President of the West End Neighborhood Association, where he is committed to building community through active participation, neighborhood meetings, and inclusive events that reflect the vibrancy of Portland’s West End.

We are so happy to have you on our Board, Ethan!

Next up for our Board member spotlights is Madison Spencer!

Madison is the newly elected President of Propel, having previously served as Secretary. She works with the Portland Sea Dogs, where she oversees Ticketing and Special Events. You may also spot her on the field as an in-game host, bringing energy and excitement to fans during between-inning entertainment.

Passionate about creating memorable experiences, Madison believes Portland has the best fan base around and loves finding new ways to connect the community through sports. As President of Propel, she is excited to build on the organization’s mission, expand its impact, and create even more opportunities to give back to the community she is proud to call home.

We are so excited to see how you further develop and strengthen our Board, Madison!

Portland Sea Dogs
Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Our Board made the best of a rainy summer day by coming together for a round of mini golf at minibar ! We were joined by 3 of our new Board members and this was a fantastic way for us all to get to know each other even better.

One of PROPEL’s goals aside from nonprofit support and mentoring young professionals is to form lasting friendships, which in turn creates a stronger sense of community.

We are eager to begin our 2026-2027 event season and have so much to share with you! Stay tuned and enjoy the summer ☀️

Happy summer, all! We want to take this time to highlight our current Board members so you can put faces to the names.

Starting off we have Nate Henry, our outgoing Board President and one of our longest sitting Board members:

Nate is a passionate Mainer who specializes in commercial lending, helping businesses, real estate investors, and real estate developers secure the financing they need to grow, invest, and succeed. He works closely with business owners across a variety of industries to deliver tailored lending solutions and provide trusted financial guidance that support long-term success.

Nate volunteers as a Board Member for the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, is the Past President for PROPEL, is on the Portland Development Corporation board, is a committee member for MEREDA, and is a Board Member and Emerging Leaders Chair for the RMA-Prosight Maine Chapter. He has been recognized by Mainebiz as one of their 40 Under 40, and from the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce as their Volunteer of the Year.

Thank you for your leadership on our Board, Nate! We are absolutely proud and grateful to have you