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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bonita is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. She is passionate about business being used as a force for good. Entrepreneurs can solve problems, and mentoring is critical to the individual's success. She believes in many learning styles and that you must love what you learn, become credentialed, and raise the bar in all you do in your life and community.
Bonita completed her Entrepreneurial training at UMass, Lowell. She obtained her teaching certificate through Eastern Maine Community College while teaching Business at Mt. Blue High School and Foster Tech Center. Her entrepreneurial spirit was fed through her self-employment and her family business in South Boston and Charlestown, Massachusetts. She was President of Williams Maritime, where her company was contracted by over thirty International Shipping Lines and The Massachusetts Port Authority. Her other work experience includes being elected Treasurer for The Town of New Sharon, Maine, work for International Greetings, Corporate Designs, and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Bonita's volunteer experience includes working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, POW-MIA League of Families, and The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program.
Bonita's interests include restorative justice, interior design, antiques, hospitality, genealogy, and history.
Bonita Tompkins,
President
Kathryn Meronek-Beauchamp, Secretary
Kathy is working hard at being retired. However, Kathy passionately believes that education, stable housing, exposure to the broader world, and adult mentoring are keys to a successful, purposeful life. CES’s “Making Home Possible” initiative caught her eye as she owns a tiny house.
Kathy holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA., and a Legal Assistant Certificate from the University of Southern California Law Center. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to be co-owner and manager of Professional River Runners of Maine, Inc., and co-owner of Grand View Lodging, where she worked as a whitewater rafting outfitter and licensed Maine guide in The Forks and West Forks, Maine, respectively.
Kathy's business experience includes being Senior Accounts Manager for Mountain Valley Property, Inc., the largest private property management company at Sugarloaf/USA resort, Carrabassett Valley, ME.
Kathy's volunteer experience includes projects involving community service, hosting homeless youth, and volunteering for The American Lung Association and Trek Across Maine fundraiser.
Kathy's interests include mountain biking, water sports, underprivileged teens, home improvements, jazz dancing, camping, lending libraries, and tiny homes.
Courtney is passionate about Technology and how it integrates into our everyday lives and is a proponent of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for all fields in the technology realm. Coming from a
background as a customer service manager and being an entrepreneur himself, combined with nearly 30 years of technical knowledge, Courtney brings a unique perspective of integrating the entrepreneurial spirit with Technology to focus on the recipients of the services provided.
Courtney is a Senior Manager of Business Systems and Intelligence with a national staffing firm. Being responsible for all aspects of the information systems and information processes, Courtney excels at developing and implementing organizational and data processes that move the organization and the industry forward.
Courtney holds several certifications for various technologies, including Microsoft, Google, and several staffing industry-specific certifications, combined with 25+ years of industry experience from desktop support to Cloud Systems Administration. Courtney also has 10+ years of entrepreneurial
experience, owning his own business, and managing several other enterprises, all with a customer focus.
Courtney's interests, besides technology, include enjoying the north Maine woods (hiking, fishing, ATVs, etc.) He also enjoys exploring local businesses, eateries, breweries, and wineries.
Courtney Carrier
Louis Carrier is passionate about his fellow man, his faith, and real estate development.
Lou served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and returned to his hometown to work as a Division Manager for Sears and Robuck Company. Soon after, he was recruited by Metropolitan Life and became the second person in Maine to belong to the million-dollar club. He formed his insurance agency and subsequently became a partner at Macomber, Farr, and Whitten. During this time, Lou served as Chairman of the New England Delta Dental Board and studied Corporate Governance at Harvard.
Lou's real estate development began at seventeen years old when he purchased his first real estate investment property, a half-mile of shore frontage on the Narrows in Winthrop, Maine. Next, he bought the Carleton Woolen Mill and developed it as President and CEO of WInthrop Commerce Center, LLC.
Lou has volunteered as the President of the Catholic Men's Club and supports the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Maine.
Lou is interested in hunting, fishing, camping, and being in the woods.
Louis Carrier
Billi Mitchell, Senior HR Business Partner at J.D. Irving Limited - Bio Coming Soon
Billi Mitchell
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