Home health care agency now in its 76th year of service, growth and community impact
NORTHEAST HARBOR — The Mount Desert Nursing Association, a cornerstone of home health care on Mount Desert Island since 1949, held its official annual board of directors meeting at its Summit Road headquarters.
The annual meeting is a time to reflect, celebrate milestones, chart the path forward, and renew leadership. For MDNA, proudly serving Mount Desert Island, Trenton and Lamoine, this year’s meeting marked the culmination of a landmark 75th anniversary year.
Among the highlights of the year 2024:
● Leadership transitions: The installation of a new Board President, Kay Rand, longtime campaign manager and chief of staff to Angus King, and the addition of several dynamic new board members.
● Historic Campaign Success: The completion of MDNA’s ambitious $1 million 75th Anniversary Capital Campaign, aimed at strengthening the organization’s investment funds.
● Community and Infrastructure: Progress across governance, finance, facilities, development, and policy, thanks to insights from both board and staff-led working groups.
Committee and work-group reports presented by both Board and staff members at the Annual Meeting included:
● Executive Committee – Kay Rand, president
● Governance – Ann Bissell
● Policy & Personnel – Charlotte Thibodeau
● Public Support – Tricia Nalle
● Capital Campaign – Mark Gauthier
● Rebranding Project – Amy McVety, executive director
● Donor Acknowledgement – Megan Rilkoff, development director
Committed leadership
The Board renewed its existing slate of officers for the upcoming year, and voted unanimously to elect a new board member to her first term: Elena Scotti, whose vast media experience and expertise will be of invaluable help to the organization. Welcome, Elena!
Looking ahead: Engaging the community
Open discussion at the meeting included everything from planned and in-process facility upgrades, including outdoor hardscaping on the Summit Road property, to the launch of an informal focus-group-style outreach to various sectors of the community this summer to assess and understand perceptions of the organization and how messaging might be improved and enhanced.
Meanwhile, MDNA is gearing up for a vibrant summer season of community events and outreach, including:
● Informational Morning Coffee Chats at MDNA Headquarters on four Mondays throughout the summer, starting Monday, June 9 from 9-10 a.m.
● The annual Stethoscope Open Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sep. 6
● The upcoming Summer Lobster Bake Fundraiser at Archie’s in Bass Harbor on June 26 from 5:30-8 p.m.
These events help foster community connection and provide vital support for MDNA’s mission. Event details can be found on the organization’s website. Feel free to contact MDNA directly for details on any and all events. For more information, to attend an upcoming event, or to support MDNA’s mission, visit www.mountdesertnursing.org.
