2024 Board of Directors
Michael Mahan, Chair
Michael Mahan has been a Bowdoinham resident since 1980, when he built a small cabin on Clay Hill. For over thirty years he was the owner and creative director at Mahan Graphics in Bath, a communications firm specializing in work with arts, environmental, and higher education institutions. He has previously served on the boards of Maine Preservation, Maine Arts, The Chocolate Church, Bourgeois Guitars, Five Rivers Arts Alliance, and the Maine Coalition to Fight Prostate Cancer.
Eric Ferguson, Vice Chair
In 2011 Eric moved to Bowdoinham from his hometown of Fryeburg to pursue farming ambitions. In 2014 he and partner Bethany Allen founded Harvest Tide Organics and in 2015 bought their farm located on the Pork Point Road. They partnered with Brian Smith to open the FarmCart on Main Street, and have operated the small honor-system stand since then. They also grow vegetables for wholesale and CSA. Eric served on the Advisory Council for the Carroll County UNH Cooperative Extension and looks forward to supporting the mission, programing, and goals of BCDI.
Wayne Sanford, Treasurer
Wayne Sanford has been a Bowdoinham resident since 1977, when he took an information technology job at BIW. As the chairperson of the Solid Waste Committee, he was deeply involved in establishing the town’s recycling program. He has previously served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Midcoast Maine, the Maine Lacrosse Officials Association, and US Lacrosse. He is a recent member of the Bowdoinham Guild of Artisans. He and his wife Lynne have two daughters and three granddaughters.
Jim Deming
Jim Deming moved to Bowdoinham from Nashville, TN in 2022 to be nearer to family in Boston. He is a retired United Church of Christ minister, having served as Minister for Environmental Justice for the national church and as a local pastor and chaplain. Jim is a “trailing spouse” and has held numerous positions, including Executive Director of Tennessee Alliance for Legal Aid, Ohio Field Office Director for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and counselor and teacher with troubled adolescents. He is a former board member of Appalachian Voices, an organization dedicated to ending mountaintop removal. Jim and his spouse Lynne are also folk musicians.
David Engler
David Engler and his wife, Annette Mott, moved to Bowdoinham in 1976. He is a retired mechanical engineer who spent his professional career in the pulp & paper and power industries. He now enjoys gardening, his apple orchard, bee keeping, genealogy, and various volunteer activities. He first joined BCDI in 2014. He served as a member of the Town of Bowdoinham’s Financial Advisory Committee for several years before being elected to the Select Board, where he served for two terms. He has since been re-appointed to the Town’s Financial Advisory Committee.
Ian Jerolmack
Ian Jerolmack came to Maine in 2002 in search of that "way life should be" lifestyle, and landed in Bowdoinham in 2009. He purchased a vacant hayfield on the River Road, and started Stonecipher Farm, growing organic vegetables ever since. He grows year round, and direct markets all of the farm's products himself, mostly to Portland's vibrant dining scene, and also to local Co-ops, as well as at the on-farm store. With the help of his wife Emily, 5 children, and numerous employees, he has cultivated a large business and vibrant landscape. Ian is committed to the local economy, and seeks opportunities to facilitate a greater connection among the residents of Bowdoinham.
Dave Mention
Dave has lived in Bowdoinham since 1986 with his wife, Dory Streett, where together they raised two sons. Dave is now retired but has worked for LL Bean, the Maine Island Trail Association, and various international schools doing technology consulting. He has served on various non-profit boards, including United Way of Greater Portland, Maine Island Trail Association, Maine Association of Sea Kayaking Guides and Instructors, and Maine Wilderness Guides Organization. Lately Dave has been working to improve his woodworking skills by joining with a neighbor to build cedar strip boats. Dave is keenly interested in finding innovative ways to enable local business to develop and thrive.
Molly Seaward
Molly was first introduced to Bowdoinham in 2006 while conducting ecological research on Merrymeeting Bay with her now-husband Scot McFarlane during a Bowdoin College summer fellowship. It was her dream to settle in Bowdoinham since then - to which her 12 year old cat named Cathance is a testament. Following a major restoration of a historic house in the village, Molly is happy to finally call Bowdoinham home. Molly works as a veterinarian at Androscoggin Animal Hospital and cares deeply about the human-animal bond, caring for people's furry loved ones, and serving the community. She and Scot have two sons who enjoy exploring the waterfront and patronizing the country store.
Lawrence Williams
Larry was born in Brunswick and grew up on the White Road in Bowdoinham. In 2007, Larry and his wife Christine built a home on the Carding Machine Road and still reside there today. Larry has worked in commercial and residential construction since 1996, incorporating Williams Construction, New Construction & Remodeling Inc. in 2007, specializing in new home builds & remodeling homes in the midcoast area. Most recently Larry and business partner, Jason Lamoreau, started Oak Island Properties LLC., focusing on land development in the area. Larry has previously volunteered as a 4th & 5th grade coach for the Bowdoinham Recreational basketball program. He and his wife Christine have two daughters.