Board Member Spotlight - Susan Hammond
News
Board Member Spotlight - Susan Hammond
]*> width="240" height="300" src="https://www.maineventurefund.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hammond-S-240x300.jpg" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.maineventurefund.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hammond-S-240x300.jpg 240w, https://www.maineventurefund.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hammond-S-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://www.maineventurefund.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hammond-S-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.maineventurefund.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hammond-S-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.maineventurefund.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Hammond-S.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" />
We will introduce one of our Board members to share a little bit more about their experience and the perspective they bring to Maine Venture Fund.
The MVF Board is made up of 11 volunteers, all appointed by the Governor of Maine, and each with specific expertise that enables MVF as an organization to thoughtfully evaluate the best way to support Maine companies. The MVF Board is responsible for making all investment decisions.
MVF Board member since 2021
Can you share a little bit about your professional experience?
I am currently the Relationship Manager for Native CDFIs at Fahe, a CDFI based in Kentucky focused on serving rural America’s families and businesses.
Previously, I was the Executive Director at Four Directions, a Native-governed Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving the four tribes in Maine.
What is a professional accomplishments you are most proud of?
Being a Penobscot Nation tribal member, my life’s mission was the founding of a Native CDFI serving the four Wabanaki tribes in Maine called Four Directions Development Corporation (FDDC) in the spring of 2001. I worked with a number of excellent partners to get it established and funded. Within a year, we were making home improvement and home mortgage loans in our Wabanaki communities. Over the twenty years that I was its Executive Director, FDDC had closed $18+ million in home loans enabling Wabanaki tribal members to purchase, make improvements and build equity in their homes.
What is one of your favorite restaurants?
I am a vegetarian and my favorite restaurant that offers a great vegetarian burger is Timber restaurant in Bangor. I crave their Timber Earth Bowl which has a housemade beet & kale burger along with wild mushrooms, goat cheese, avocado, root vegetables and quinoa, all prepared and presented in a beautiful wooden bowl. It is a true delight!
Can you share one thing you always consider in the diligence process for companies pursuing investment from MVF?
I gain so much learning from the Board discussions on each of the businesses we consider. One of the sections that I find helpful in my decision making is the social impact assessment. As I bring a mission focus to my Board position at MVF, this element is just as critical to me as is the financial analysis, management capacity and potential investment returns.
How do you recharge?
I get energy and sustenance from Mother Earth and Nature and my favorite way to recharge is to take walks in nature. I love the sounds of birds, crickets, and peepers, feeling the sun and wind and observing cloud formations. My backyard is 80 acres of wildlife like deer, wild turkeys. coyotes, foxes, and skunks to name a few, which are fun to watch and observe (respectfully at a distance 😊).
About Maine Venture Fund
Maine Venture Fund invests in dynamic businesses that have the potential for significant growth and impact in Maine. For more information, visit maineventurefund.com.
Inquiries:
Terri Wark
Maine Venture Fund
(207) 924.3800
terri@maineventurefund.com
