Victoria Abbott
Nate Webb directs the wildlife division of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W). He first worked with the department when he was a UMaine student and joined the state’s bear crew. He subsequently earned his Ph.D. at the University of Alberta and became a carnivore specialist, focusing on wolves, bears, and cougars for the Alberta Ministry of Environment and Parks.
After returning to Maine, he held different positions with the DIF&W, most recently the public lands wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Nate now coordinates a 12 million budget, supervises nearly 50 employees, and oversees the development and implementation of policy decisions and legislative proposals.
Jeff Kobrock G became the town manager of Winthrop last spring. He previously served as town manager in Gardiner.
Congratulations to Eric Russell, who was named Maine Press Association Journalist of the Year last fall. Eric is a general assignment reporter for the Portland Press Herald. He lives in Brunswick with his wife and children.
Lisa Liberatore ’05G wrote to share that she was named 2019 Mainebiz’s NEXT honoree. Mainebiz described Lisa as a “chronic entrepreneur,” since she has founded a number of businesses in Maine, from Gardiner to Millinocket. Congratulations, Lisa!
Big kudos to Adam Parvanta, who received a Milken Educator Award. Adam teaches technology at Gorham High School, where he also helps the faculty incorporate technology into their classes. With his assistance, staff and students produce videos, multimedia presentations, and infographics. The national award, which comes with a cash prize, is sometimes referred to as the “Oscar of Teaching.”
The Class of 2003 has a new class correspondent. Thank you to Victoria Abbott, who has offered to write this column, beginning with the next issue.
Victoria currently works for MaineGeneral’s office of philanthropy after spending the previous three years as executive director of the Komen Maine Affiliate. She majored in communications and public relations at UMaine, and earned her master’s in public policy and management from the University of Southern Maine. Victoria has worked in the field of marketing, development, special events, and public relations for the past 14 years.
She resides in Augusta, and thoroughly enjoys all that Maine has to offer with skiing and hiking in the western mountains and spending summers in and on the water!
Please send your news to her at vabbott13@gmail.com.
Enjoy the winter!