Our Team
The Gorham Economic Development Team
Kevin Jensen, Economic Development Director
Kevin serves as the primary point of contact for implementing Gorham’s overall economic development strategy, and provides technical support and program development that serves the local business community. He pursues funding opportunities on behalf of the Department of Community Development as a means for developing a strong, vibrant local economy, and works to generally improve the local business environment. Kevin administers the Revolving Loan Fund program, which provides gap financing and is only eligible for Gorham businesses, and he develops other programs to support the Gorham business community, including local grantmaking programs, collaboration and community stewardship.
Kevin grew up in the Washington DC area and graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor’s in International Affairs. He earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and moved to Maine with his family in 2019 after living and working in New York City for ten years.
Nina Yeliseyev, Economic Development Specialist
Nina supports the Gorham business community by working directly with small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them understand and navigate the process of starting and operating a business in Gorham. She serves as a liaison between the Gorham business community and Town departments, providing stewardship on an ongoing basis to ensure new and existing businesses receive the services and guidance they need in a timely manner. In addition, Nina utilizes multiple channels to actively promote local businesses and elevate Gorham as a place to do business.
Nina brings experience working across multiple departments to develop a solid foundation and understanding of the municipal process. Her previous work supporting small businesses and her own pursuit of owning a business provides her with a deep appreciation for the complexities businesses face on a day-to-day basis.
Gorham Economic Development Corporation
Formed in 1991, The Gorham Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) is a nonprofit, quasi-governmental agency promoting business community engagement and economic development to create new attractions and jobs in the Town of Gorham. By fostering strong working relationships with business leaders, town officials and others, the GEDC plays a crucial role in promoting economic development and serving as stewards to the business community.
The GEDC is comprised of Gorham residents with professional experience and expertise that helps to advance local strategies and solutions addressing the needs of local businesses.
Board Member Bios
Mark Curtis
CHAIR
Mark is the General Manager for Gorham Sand & Gravel, which involves him in every aspect of the organization including business development and sales, finance and administration, human resources, and real estate and equipment purchasing. He serves on numerous committees and boards at the state and local level, including the Town of Gorham Zoning Board of Appeals. Mark has lived in Gorham since 1993.
“I love the overwhelming sense of community in Gorham. There is a true feeling that we are in this together and it plays out in the way we support our local businesses, institutions and neighbors.”
Peter Mason
VICE-CHAIR
Peter is owner and broker at Po Go Realty, a family business in Gorham since 1970, with his business partner and sister, Julie. He has worked in the real estate industry since 1999, focusing on Gorham and the Greater Portland region. Peter was born and raised in Gorham, and is a graduate of Gorham High School and the University of Maine at Farmington.
“I was born and raised right here in Gorham and I chose to raise a family here. For me, I find Gorham to be a very attractive work environment and a town that offers a lot of opportunity for small business. It keeps getting better and better.”
Dan Nichols
TREASURER
Dan spent over 35 years in the commercial banking industry, focusing on business development and was a senior credit officer at a local savings bank in Augusta. He spent 10 years in the public sector as Associate Economic Development Director for the City of Augusta until his retirement in 2018. Dan serves as Chair of the Revolving Loan Fund Committee for the Town of Gorham.
“There is a small town feel here that I like the most, and a spirit among residents to play a part in helping Gorham to be a welcoming and thriving community. Support for local businesses in Gorham is tremendous!”
Sarah Jackson
SECRETARY
Sarah is a legal contract specialist with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, and serves as a commercial and residential title abstractor for local law firms. In 2019, she co-founded a software company for contract lifecycle management. She has lived in Gorham since 2013.
“Gorham is the perfect place to raise a family. Our schools are top notch, the trail systems for walking and biking are unparalleled and we absolutely love the small town, community feel of Gorham. I can’t see my family living anywhere else.”
Christopher Kelley
Chris is a lifelong Mainer and resident of Gorham with his wife, two sons and Scottish Terrier since 2014. He holds a business degree from the University of Maine, and has worked extensively in financial services and sales. Since 2016, he has been a small business owner and investor.
“Growing up in a small town in Downeast Maine, you have an appreciation for how tight knit a small community can be. Gorham is a growing community that maintains its small town charm. As a business owner, I have been welcomed by and befriended many community members and other small business owners in our great community.”
Jim Anderson
Jim has over 25 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, focusing on project estimating and pre-construction planning. He served on the Town of Gorham Planning Board for 12 years, holding the role of Charmain for 3. Jim was raised in Gorham and after graduating from the University of Maine, made it his home.
“It’s fantastic to both live and work in the community I grew up in. Gorham has seen great changes over the years, yet still maintains that small town feel. The Town welcomes and encourages the entrepreneurial spirit of existing and future businesses.”
Todd Chase
Todd is a licensed professional mechanical engineer with almost 30 years of experience designing healthcare facilities and other commercial buildings. He has lived in Gorham since 2008.
“I love the traditional New England village feel of Gorham but also how it has quietly become a destination for thriving local businesses. Gorham loves supporting its homegrown talent.”
Ben Gilman
Ben has served as General Counsel for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce since 2010, representing a network of 5,000 businesses across the State of Maine. Previously, he served as Director of Economic Development for U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe. Ben holds a JD from the University Of Maine School Of Law and a BA from the University of Maine. He has lived in Gorham with his family since 2005.
“There is so much to love about Gorham, from the small town feel of the local businesses located in the village to cutting edge manufacturing located in the business park. Gorham strikes the balance of quality of life that so many seek while maintaining a support for local businesses that so many communities strive for.”
Andy Morrrell
Andy is a Civil Engineer and partner at BH2M, an engineering and surveying firm that has been located in Gorham since its inception in 1978. He grew up in Gorham and after achieving a B.S. in civil engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo, returned home to continue his career and to start a family. Gorham provides an ideal location to raise a family and ample opportunities for a small business.
“Anyone who lives in Gorham understands how special it is to live here and to raise a family in this community. The Town of Gorham provides amazing opportunities for residents and business owners alike to succeed and we the people of Gorham will assure this will always be the case.”
Gorham Village Alliance
The Gorham Village Alliance is a group of volunteers leading community-based activities to revitalize Gorham’s downtown. By focusing on support for small businesses, beautifying public spaces and leading community events, the GVA is leading efforts to energize the downtown area through small but impactful initiatives. GVA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization made up of business owners, residents, and town representatives.
