MEET OUR STAFF

The Maine Crafts Association, a nonprofit, and its retail affiliate, Shop Maine Craft, are led by a dedicated team of passionate community members and staff committed to supporting Maine’s craft artists and creative economy:

Whitney Gill
Executive Director

Whitney Gill brings more than a decade of retail and program management experience to the Maine Crafts Association & Shop Maine Craft, and has been executive director since May 2023. She oversees all aspects of the organizations, including membership, programming, fundraising, finance, communications and board development. Whitney has supported multiple initiatives including the launch of a new Webstore in 2020 and MCA’s restructuring in 2022. She continues to work with her team to enhance the digital presence and operations of the dual organizations. Prior to this role, Whitney worked in the Center for Maine Craft retail gallery, rising from sales associate to gallery manager, and director of operations in 2022. Whitney also maintains a ceramic practice from her home in Bowdoin, Maine, where she lives with her spouse, two sons, and plump cat.

Nire Cook
Business Manager

Nire, a Calais, Maine native, studied traditional and contemporary batik in Indonesia before earning a BA in Batik and Photography from Hampshire College. As MCA’s longest-standing employee, she brings invaluable experience and dedication to her role as business manager. Having held various positions, including Center for Maine Craft sales associate and gallery manager, Nire has supported many transitions within the organizations, continuously learning and mentoring along the way. She now manages MCA’s finances & human resources while collaborating with the team to build a stronger future through smarter systems and processes.

Lizz Brown
Programs Manager & Director of Guild Fine Craft Shows

Lizz Brown moved from Pennsylvania to Maine in 2018, joining the Maine Crafts Association as both an artist-member and employee. She holds a BFA in Crafts with a Textiles concentration from Kutztown University and founded her business, The Wild Textile, in 2016. Lizz manages the Craft Apprentice Program, Guild-level membership, Cooperative Advertising, Pollinators, and the Craft Content Project for MCA. She is also the director of Guild Fine Craft Shows and Found Object seconds & supplies market for Shop Maine Craft.

Simonne Feeney
Programs Manager & Director of Portland Fine Craft Show

Born and raised in Maine, Simonne Feeney’s passion for art and design was inspired by her natural surroundings. She earned a B.F.A. in Fine Art with a concentration in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design from Pratt Institute before returning to Maine to refine her craft, blending traditional techniques with modern materials. As a program manager for the Maine Crafts Association, she oversees MCA Haystack Weekend, Maine Craft Weekend, the Artist Awards, Craft Classifieds and Educational Workshops. She is also director of the Portland Fine Craft Show for Shop Maine Craft.

Edythe Morin
Center for Maine Craft Gallery Manager

Edythe (Edy) Morin joined our team in 2019 as a part-time sales associate at the Center for Maine Craft and quickly advanced from inventory manager to assistant manager. She now leads as gallery manager, bringing over a decade of retail experience and a maker’s perspective to the role. When she’s not immersed in craft sales or fine-tuning inventory spreadsheets, Edy prioritizes self-care and the things that bring her joy. She and her daughter can often be found exploring Maine -whether adventuring on Monhegan Island or relaxing on the warm sands of Popham Beach.

PART-TIME GALLERY STAFF

Allison McKeen
Elisha Glusker
Jaime Wing
Jo Marsanskis
Judy Wing
Mary Kay Spencer
Kaitlin Thibeau

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lawrence Hollins, President
Kyle Patnaude, Vice President
Janet Campagna, Treasurer
Ashley Parker, Secretary
Shannon Richards
Deana Boyages

ADVISORY BOARD

Cara Romano
Donna D’Aquino
John Rohman
Lisa Arhontes-Marshall
Marion Carling
Stuart Kestenbaum
Terrill Waldman
Tim Christensen