Email Newsletters
This content is made possible by our sponsors. Learn how to submit your content here.

Boots2Roots

 

2025 Goals

Boots2Roots enduring goals are 1) to have military-members, Veterans and military spouses hired within 60 days of arriving to the state (95% success rate); and 2) for our “Teammates” to stay in their first post-military job for at least 12 months (96% success rate).

For 2024 and 2025 we are seeking to increase the number of Veterans and their families enrolled in the Boots2Roots “Transition-to-Work” program to over 200 each year.

Events/Opportunities

Please join Boots2Roots’ staff, volunteers and stakeholders every third Thursday of the month for “Thirsty Thursday.” It’s a casual opportunity to learn about Boots2Roots, meet our “teammates” (potential employees) and explore ways to help bring more Veterans and their families to Maine. Email Boots2roots@boots2roots.org or follow us on LinkedIn for more about our next “Thirsty Thursday” destination. We are also active members of the Maine State Chamber as well as the Portland, Bangor, Kennebec Valley, Penobscot Bay and Lewiston/Auburn Chambers of Commerce. We look forward to connecting at a future chamber event.

Giving Opportunities

Boots2Roots is seeking long-term diversified funding in support of efforts to bring more military talent to Maine’s workforce. Primary funding sources historically include a diverse set of Maine business partners, private foundations and the state of Maine. Boots2Roots doesn’t charge for its services and has no organic revenue stream, so long-term partnerships are essential to success.

For those interested in learning about partnership levels and how to support Boots2Roots, please reach out to our Executive Director and/or visit our website and select the “donate” tab.

We welcome new partners who are ready to move this important mission forward for Maine’s newest Veterans and for Maine’s workforce.

Volunteer Opportunities

Boots2Roots has an abundance of volunteer opportunities. These include working as a member of our Advisor Board to develop ways to connect Veterans to Maine employers; acting as a Peer-Mentor for transitioning military members and families; and resume, interview and career coaching. You don’t have to be a veteran to volunteer. We are looking for people who have a passion for helping people and contributing to best-outcomes for Maine.

Leadership

 

William (Bill) Benson
Executive Director

Matt Harmon
Chair
Senior Vice President, Claims, MEMIC

Board officers

Carrie Arsenault, Vice Chair, Senior Vice President, Northern Light Health and President, Beacon Health

Kathleen Trost, Secretary, Deputy Director, Maine Workers Compensation Board

Nathan Dunlap, Treasurer, CPA, BerryDunn

Board Members

Pawel Binczyk, (Veteran) Attorney, Bernstein-Shur

Allyson Coombs, Director of HR Services, General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works

Bryan Fuller, (Veteran) Human Resources Business Partner, MMG Insurance

Mike Griffin, Executive Director, Middle Market Banking, JPMorganChase

Josh Steirman, (Veteran) Director of Government Relations, Maine Bankers Association

Laura Wolfson, HR Business Partner, Androscoggin Bank

Chad Schuman, (Veteran) Ex-officio, Vice President, Baird

At A Glance

 

Established: 2016

Employees: 4

Annual revenue: $201,580

Top funding sources

58% Maine businesses

24% State/federal government

10% Individuals

8% Private foundations

Contact

5 Depot St., Suite 12

Freeport, ME 04032

(207) 707-3040

www.boots2roots.org

Facebook: Boots2RootsMaine

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/boots2roots/

Awards/Accolades

Boots2Roots is a proud recipient of a FY2023 Community Grant. Both Sen. Angus King’s and U.S. Rep.’s Chellie Pingree’s offices supported Boots2Roots for this award. The funds are already having an impact, with more active-duty military, Veterans and military spouses finding work and putting down roots in Maine than ever before.

Mission Statement

Boots2Roots assists active-duty servicemembers, Veterans and military spouses transition to meaningful work in Maine while providing a pipeline of talent to Maine employers. Boots2Roots is seeking best outcomes for Veterans and for Maine employers. There is never a charge for our services.

Service locations

Boots2Roots is a statewide organization. We’ve assisted military members find work with over 167 large and small Maine employers from Berwick to Presque Isle.