Board of Directors

Jessica Maurer, Esq. – M4A Executive Director

Jessica Maurer began work as the Executive Director of the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging (M4A) in January 2011.  A licensed Maine attorney, Jessica worked for nearly 17 years in the Maine Office of the Attorney General.  In her last 7 years in the Office, she served as Special Assistant Attorney General, implementing public policy and legislative initiatives for the Attorney General.  Policy areas included elder abuse, prescription drug pricing and end of life care.  She also served as Legal Liaison and Project Director for the Maine Elder Justice Partners.

Nancy B. Kelleher – President
At-Large Board (January 2012-January 2015 – first term)

Nancy Kelleher served as AARP Maine’s State Director from 2002 to 2012, after four years as the Associate State Director for Advocacy.  As the Associate State Director for Advocacy, Nancy spearheaded legislative efforts to provide protection for Mainers on issues such as access to affordable health care and prescription drugs, predatory lending and homeowner protections, funding for home care services and repeal of older worker penalty.  Nancy also worked in the Speaker’s Office of the House of Representatives where she handled administrative and policy issues for three Speakers.  Nancy serves on the Elder Abuse Task Force of Maine, the Stakeholders Group on Health INFONet, the Maine Health Management Coalition and the Aligning Forces for Quality Project.

Noelle Merrill – Treasurer
Executive Director, Eastern Area Agency on Aging
[Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington Counties]

Noelle Merrill has served as the Executive Director of the Eastern Area Agency on Aging since 2005.  From 1997-2005, she served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Agency.  Eastern Area Agency on Aging serves Washington, Hancock, Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties, an area larger than any other New England state.

Gerard Queally – Secretary
President and CEO, Spectrum Generations
[Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and Waldo Counties]

Gerard (Gerry) Queally, President and CEO of Spectrum Generations, took the leadership reins of the organization in July 2011 after serving as Chief Financial Officer for Harbor Family Services in Topsham, ME from 2005 to 2011.  Prior to working at Harbor Family Services, Gerry was the Finance Director at Ingraham from 1998-2005, where he was instrumental in the development of 211 Maine.  He currently serves as a Captain in the United States Navy Reserve and is the 1^st Vice President on the Board of Directors for Pine Tree Society.   

Betsy Sawyer-Manter
Executive Director, SeniorsPlus
[Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties]

Betsy Sawyer-Manter joined SeniorsPlus as Executive Director in May 2009. Previously, she was a senior manager for 20 years at a Community Action Agency. SeniorsPlus has two key divisions; Elder Independence of Maine (EIM) a statewide home healthcare coordinating program and Community Services which oversees the ADRC, Nutrition Services and Educational Center. SeniorsPlus Community Services programs serve Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin Counties.

Stephen Farnham
Executive Director, Aroostook Area Agency on Aging
[Aroostook County]

Steve Farnham is the Executive Director of the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, and has been since 1977.  His responsibilities also include an agency developed, owned and managed congregate housing project.  He also serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A).

Laurence Gross
Executive Director, Southern Maine Agency on Aging
[Cumberland and York Counties]

Larry Gross has served as the Executive Director of the Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging since 1983.  The Agency serves elders and families in Cumberland and York Counties.  He also served as Chair of the Steering Group which created the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Gordon Smith  At-Large Member (Dec 2012-Dec 2015 – Second Term)
Executive Director, Maine Medical Association

Gordon Smith, Esq. graduated from the University of Maine with highest distinction in 1973 and from the Boston College Law School, magna cum laude, in 1976. Mr. Smith was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Maine in 1976 and in the federal courts in 1978. After four years of private practice in Augusta, he joined the Maine Medical Association as General Counsel in 1981. A frequent lecturer to medical groups on various medical legal subjects, Mr. Smith has served as Executive Vice President of the Maine Medical Association since September, 1993.

Kathryn Dzurec-Dunton – At Large Member (March 2012-December 2014 – filling vacant term – first term)
Director of Compliance, Maine Community Health Options

Katie Dzurec-Dunton is the Director of Compliance and Regulatory Affairs at Maine Community Health Options, Maine’s Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan.  Before coming to MCHO in 2013, Katie was a Research Analyst for the Health Policy Institute at Georgetown, specializing in research and analysis of the ACA including rate review, preventive services and external review and works with states to implement ACA provisions. Prior to this, she was the Communications and Outreach Director for the Bureau of Insurance. She has also worked as a Legislative Aide and a domestic violence volunteer coordinator. She holds both a Juris Doctor and a Masters in Public Administration.