The Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund (BRSAF) welcomed six new board members to the organization at its June meeting: Jim Borzig, Marybeth Carmody, Maureen Kinsey, Dale Lancaster, Julie Roberts and DanZajdel.

Jim Borzig is a newcomer to the region, originally from Jackson, Mississippi. He and his wife, Kate, who is the new director of development at the YMCA, have purchased a home in Boothbay Harbor. Jim received his BS in political science and American studies, and an MS in political science from the University of Southern Mississippi, and his PhD in public policy and administration from Mississippi State University. He has 26 years of academic administrative experience, the latest as president of Mississippi University for Women. Jim volunteers with the Rotary and the Boy Scouts. He also enjoys hiking, boating, and reading, and he is interested in public finance, municipal government, and higher education policy.

Marybeth Carmody spent most of her career in biochemical research and teaching in the state of Maine, during which time she acquired expertise in writing grant proposals. She received her B.S. in biology from St. Francis College, and a Masters of Applied Immunology from the University of Southern Maine. Now retired, she and her husband, John, and dog, Murphy, are full-time Boothbay residents. She is an avid swimmer, formerly a lifeguard at the YMCA, and enjoys yoga, hiking, reading, and knitting. In addition to the BRSAF, Marybeth volunteers with the Boothbay Region Land Trust. She is eager to work on behalf of students who aspire to higher education.

Maureen Kinsey, a resident of Southport, was a member of the BRSAF board from 2002 to 2008, serving as president in 2004 and 2005. She was raised in Lewiston and graduated from the University of Maine. She is a former social worker, kindergarten teacher at BRES, and treasurer of Sheepscot Machine Works, a family business that she ran with her husband, Bruce. Her daughter, Gretchen is a graduate of BRHS. Recently, Maureen joined the Boothbay Region Health Board, and she has also served on the Big Brother/Big Sister and YMCA boards. Maureen enjoys tennis, biking and sailing, and spent seven winters sailing in the Caribbean. She is excited about the changes that have occurred since her time on the board, and remains a strong supporter of its mission.

Dale Lancaster, a native of Columbus, Mississippi, moved to the region in 2012 with his wife, Ida. Dale has over 30 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, serving as a developer, builder, consultant, and property manager. He earned a bachelor of business administration from the University of Mississippi, and is a past president of the Mississippi Chapter of Real Estate Securities and Syndication Institute. He is also a current board member of the Mississippi Association of Affordable Housing Providers, the Louisiana Association of Affordable Housing Providers, and the Tennessee Association of Affordable Housing Providers. Dale was actively involved in LIHTC housing from its inception, and has developed over 40 projects in six different states. He enjoys tennis, and is active in the Boothbay Harbor Congregational Church and the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club.

Julie Roberts, a graduate of BRHS, worked as a licensed hairdresser 19 years and owned her own business, Aura Hair Design. Ten years ago, she started Coastal Maine Popcorn with her husband, Paul, and they now own and operate stores in Boothbay Harbor, Freeport and Portland. Julie also started People for Positive Change, a group in the region working to move the community forward in a positive direction. Most recently, this group has been involved with zoning issues. Julie has served on the board of the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers for Rebuilding Together. She and Paul have two children, one of whom recently graduated from BRHS and one who attends BRES.

Dan Zajdel hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Laura, have been full-time Boothbay residents since 2015. Dan received a BS in finance from Penn State University and an MBA in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University before serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in the Supply Corp. He is also a former vice president of investor relations with CONSOL Energy Inc. Dan has been very active in his church, serving as an auditor and an elder, and he was elected to the school board of directors in his Pennsylvania township. Dan enjoys sailing, kayaking, and chess. He and Laura have three grown children.

The BRSAF Board also wishes to acknowledge with gratitude the service of the board members who have just retired: Sandi Hakanson, who served six years, and was secretary for the past five; Brad Hastings, who served six years and was president for the last two; Fred Levin, who served for two years; Sue Norton, who served six years, is a past president, and was co-chair of the Awards Committee for the last two; Jim Newstead, who served three years; and Ingrid Roveillo, who served six years. Sincere thanks to all of you for your work on behalf of the graduates of Boothbay Region High School.