Good Shepherd Food Bank

Mainebiz is honored to present the 2026 Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year. These seven individuals span various industries, including the nonprofit sector. 

Maine's large hunger relief organization has added former Unum finance executive Camilo Echanique to its leadership team.

Mainebiz asked more than a dozen movers and shakers what they are most grateful for this year. Their answers were as varied as Chef Snoopy’s whimsical dishes in “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”

This year’s campaign came as many Mainers faced greater hardship due to the government shutdown and its impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as SNAP.

Of the total pledged, $1 million will come from the governor's contingency account, with the John T. Gorman Foundation contributing $250,000 to supplement food supplies for Maine households.

Now in its fourth year, the Mainebiz 40 Under 40 program recognizes the state's up-and-coming leaders, the next generation of individuals who are shaping Maine and its economy. 

Search criteria included level floor space at grade to make it easier for volunteers and recipients to get in and out, reasonable traffic flow and a discreet location.

Weeks after the federal budget reconciliation bill was signed into law, Good Shepherd Food Bank said it's concerned for the nearly 50,000 Mainers receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

The Auburn-based nonprofit distributed 40 million meals in 2024, an increase over 29 million meals in 2022 and 33.6 million meals in 2023.

More than 250 organizations across Maine participate in the program to combat food insecurity.